Exploring the estate at Sizergh

Young bird watcher and NT ranger sitting in the bird hide at Park End Moss wetland. They each have a pair of binoculars. — Explore Sizergh’s surrounding countryside | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Pull on your walking shoes and explore the wider countryside around Sizergh with its ancient woodland, farmland and abundance of wildlife, as well as a wild play trail for families to enjoy.

Spring on the estate

In May, spring walks reveal the best places to spot bluebells – find them in the woods at Brigsteer, Holeslack and Low Park, all good walking loops from the café. Bluebells will also be popping up in Dog Kennel Wood.

Daffodils arrive in early March and carpet Brigsteer Wood, where rangers will be finishing off their winter work and starting to collect the wood from winter felling.

Late May is the start of orchid season and the best places to see them are Helsington Barrows, Sizergh Fell and Lane End. Also in bloom are wild garlic, primroses, wood anemone and cowslips.
If you’re down by the wetland at Park End, listen out for reed warbers and sedge warblers which you’ll be able to see and hear from the path in late April. From then on, they can be seen throughout the spring and summer (along marsh harriers if you’re lucky) singing from the reeds whilst you’re sitting in the hide.

Swallows return to the wetland in May too, and listen out for the distinctive call of the chiffchaff in Sizergh’s woodland. Keep an eye out for the greater spotted woodpecker, bullfinches, kestrels and buzzards.

The rangers’ butterfly transect begins in April, often picking up early brimstone and peacock butterflies. Butterflies can be seen throughout the spring, such as the bright yellow brimstone variety.

The team will be carrying out botanical surveys, orchid monitoring and invasive species control at this time of year. Recently planted trees will be taking root and establishing themselves.

Video guides to the estate

Walking at Sizergh

There are several footpaths across the estate taking you through woodland, wetland and limestone grassland.

Enjoy far-reaching views across the countryside from the viewpoint at Helsington Barrows; rare flowers and wildlife living on Sizergh Fell, or keep your eyes peeled for wetland birds from the hide at Park End Moss.

A free map detailing favourite waymarked routes is available from reception:

Sizergh Fell walk

Park End Moss wetland walk

Holeslack access trail

Kendal to Sizergh route
Running through fascinating ancient woodland, the trail is a circular route, suitable for prams, Trampers, wheelchairs and visitors with reduced mobility. All of the gates are easily accessible, and a large part of the route is fenced off from livestock.

Throughout the year, trees and walls are carpeted in lichens and mosses, and the field next to the path provides food and forage from birds and small mammals. Huge ancient trees are home to hundreds of birds, bats and invertebrates. The traditional Westmorland orchard on the route is full of apples, pears, plums and damsons. From here, you'll glimpse views of the House.
The Towpath Trail between Kendal and Lancaster is a unique place for walking, cycling, paddling, and general rural enjoyment - take the Sizergh loop for a longer walk - start and end your walk in the grounds at Sizergh, enjoying beauty and history on your way along the Towpath Trail

Or, for a walk along the historic River Kent, try the route from Kendal to Sizergh

The Low Sizergh Barn farm trail passes through the estate, starting and ending at Low Sizergh Barn

Buzzard in southern woods at Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire — Buzzard perched on a branch at Sizergh | © National Trust Images/Derek Hatton

Group of people of mixed ages walking along a path in the woodland at Sizergh. There's a man sitting on a bench on the right — The estate is a great place to enjoy some '50 things' activities | © Steven Barber

Things to see and do on the estate

The woodlands, wetland and farmland are home to a vast amount of wildlife and it helps to know what to look out for before you set off. Here are some favourites to look out for.

Sizergh is famous for hawfinches. These elusive birds favour the car park area around the visitor centre and feed on the hornbeam tree seeds. They are best seen from February to early April, when the leaves are not fully out on the trees. Hawfinch Watch is a chance to join our expert ranger, Rob, and spot a hawfinch at first light.

While walking through the woods, you may also flush out a woodcock. The Latin name is Scolopax rusticola, meaning 'rural dweller'. Their camouflage plumage makes them very hard to see as they sit tight among the leaf litter during the day. Only at night do they give themselves up when they feed in open fields using their long bill to probe for worms.

Look out for buzzards - these birds of prey are large and often glide on air currents with their huge wings outstretched, looking for small mammals. Listen out for their distinctive cat-like call.

Sizergh’s estate also has a rich and diverse number of fritillary butterflies ranging from the pearl bordered to the high brown fritillary. Countryfile has named Sizergh as one of the best places to photograph these butterflies, and they’re best spotted on sunny days in the summer months basking on the woodland edges and along the brambles and bracken either side of the footpaths.
Test your balance and bravery as you head into the woodland to follow the wild play trail, where hours of family fun are waiting. Follow the clues to reach the end, trying the climbing wall, balance beams, rope swing and stepping-stones along the way. This natural play area was made by our talented ranger team and is most suitable for ages three and up (although smaller children will need a helping hand from a grown up).

The estate is the perfect place to enjoy activities on the ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list. There are plenty of self-led ‘50 things’ activities such as building a den, racing a snail, hunting for bugs, birdwatching, making your own insect house and much more. 'Build a den' is number four on the ‘50 things’ challenge, and there are plenty of natural materials in the woodland to turn your den into a fort, a pirate ship or a cosy hide out. Pop into reception at Sizergh to pick up your free ‘50 things’ activity booklet then get out and about and start ticking items off your list.
Orienteering is a great way to explore the estate, and the South Ribble Orienteering Club have designed three courses to enjoy at Sizergh. Download the routes below, and use the MapRun app to get started.

Sizergh's Accessible Orienteering Route

Sizergh's Long Orienteering Route

Sizergh's Short Orienteering Route
Fancy an adventure on two wheels? Pick up your e-bike from Sizergh and explore the Lyth Valley, South Lakes and Kendal - follow local guided routes or plan your own journey. With single or multi-day hire, full training and equipment included, Ease E Ride bikes are a great way to discover our local landscape and travel sustainably.

Explore the Damson Route, a scenic circular meander from Sizergh to Witherslack along quiet country roads and a national cycle path. You’ll be spoilt for choice with coffee and cake stops en-route. Pick up your bike at Sizergh and pre-book through the Ease-e Ride website.

Remains of the gunpowder works at Sedgwick on Sizergh's estate.

Sizergh's Gunpowder Works

The gunpowder works at Sedgwick are a fascinating part of the history of Sizergh's estate, and the remains can still be seen today. We've been looking into the hidden histories of the people who lived and worked there. Join a Heritage Open Day guided walk and discover the stories of this piece of local history - see our 'Events' page or the Heritage Open Days website for more information.

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Video

In The Green Chapel session - Hayden Thorpe at Park End Moss wetland

Hayden Thorpe plays a composition inspired by Park End Moss wetland, in the bird hide, as part of celebrations marking 10 years since its creation. When Hayden took up his role as artist in residence at the Glasshouse in Gateshead, he recreated the bird hide and penned a composition, performed by Hayden alongside the Royal Northern Sinfonia orchestra.