Explore from Waterhead
Do you like exploring? If so, a short walk from Waterhead will bring you to Skelghyll Woods and Jenkins Field where you can explore ancient woodlands, walk amongst some of the tallest trees in Cumbria, visit a fantastic early summer garden, take in the views from Jenkins Crag, or paddle in Windermere.
Map
Start:
Waterhead pier, grid ref: SY376031
1
Head off from Waterhead along the main A591 road in the direction of Windermere for about 200yd (180m) until you reach Waterhead Marine (looks like a garage) and take care crossing the road.
Veteran trees
This old oak, located in the field along the wooded lane near Waterhead Marine, has survived by sending its roots down through the big rock outcrop on which it sits. Foxes have been spotted leaping from the tangled growth near its base so watch out.
2
Walk up this wooded lane for 300yd (270m) until you reach a tarmac lane and turn left up the hill towards a small car parking area at Stagshaw Gardens. During spring this is a great time to take a short detour around the gardens before heading on with the rest of the trail.
Stagshaw Gardens
An early season garden that opens from 16 March until the end of July (free to National Trust members) which has more than 300 camellias and rhododendrons. When in full bloom it is a riot of colour and scent. A real hidden gem.
3
Walk through a wooden gate and follow the steep track up through the wood which borders the fence of Stagshaw Gardens until you reach a triangle of very large Douglas fir trees. This is a good place for a breather.
4
Take the right-hand track up by the river until you reach the bridge over Stencher beck. Take either of the two paths that lead uphill and continue until it flattens out and you reach a sign identifying Jenkins Crag. This is all the hard climbing work completed and you can now stop and take in the views.
Jenkins Crag
This was recently voted the most romantic spot in Cumbria and when you are sitting at the top it is easy to see why. The view has recently been restored to show Windermere lake with the Lakeland mountains behind. Please be aware of steep unprotected drops off the front of the crag.
5
Retrace your steps back down to the conifers at the triangle and take a level track on the left through the woodland. Stop and admire the large conifers below the path.
6
Carry on along this path and pass by some broken down walls where you leave the conifers behind and move into an area of oak woodland. Follow this path downhill and watch out for a couple of slippery outcrops. This is one of the best places for bluebells.
Bluebells at Skelghyll Woods
Skelghyll Woods can be awash with bluebells particularly in the oak woodland. Also areas of native daffodils, snowdrops and ramsons.
7
At the foot of this footpath, turn right and walk back alongside a high drystone wall back to the car park at Stagshaw Gardens. Look out for the large conifers on the top side of the path, it is well worth a short detour to stand underneath them.
Mighty conifers
In the 1850s, specimens such as these had only just been discovered in America. The owners of Wansfell Holme (which is the large house you can see below the woods) imported and planted these more than 150 years ago, when they were the fashionable. They are now amongst the tallest in Cumbria with one Grand Fir measuring 62yd (57m), which is taller than Nelson`s column. You need to go right up to them to appreciate their full size.
8
Follow the road back down the hill and turn right to go down the wooded lane.
9
Recross the road to Waterhead Marine and look for a stile in the low wall to the left which marks the entrance onto Jenkins Field.
10
There is about 500yd (450m) of lakeshore access with the best beach at the far end.
11
Retrace your steps back to Waterhead Marine and follow the road back to Waterhead.
End:
Waterhead pier, grid ref: SY376031
