Holeslack Access Trail
Take this accessible circular route for a flavour of the Sizergh estate, from ancient woodlands and traditional Westmorland orchards to historic farm buildings and parklands.
Near to
SizerghStart point
Sizergh Castle car park, grid ref: SD498878Trail information
*This is a designated Miles Without Stiles route. It has been designed to be an accessible path, with a well surfaced route perfect for trampers, electric wheelchairs, visitors with limited mobility and buggies. There are a couple of moderate inclines, which could be a challenge for attended propelled wheelchairs.
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Sizergh Castle car park, grid ref: SD498878
Stage 1
From the car park, take the gate out of the northern end of the car park. You'll cross a bridleway, before going through another gate and out into a field, with the path running diagonally across the field.
Stage 2
At the next gate there is a bench. Go through the gate and continue on the surfaced path through the field. At the top of the field is a gate which takes you around the edge of a small farmyard.
Stage 3
The path continues through a narrow strip of woodland called Rash Spring. The path has a gentle upward gradient, which gets steeper towards the end. Within the wood are three benches providing resting points.
Stage 4
You leave Rash Spring wood through a gate and emerge into Holeslack farm yard. On your right is the old summer house, built to look like a lime kiln. The path bears left round the barn and left again heading downhill towards an orchard.
Old farm buildings on the Holeslack Accessible Trail. | © Steven Barber Stage 5
As you enter the orchard the ice house is within the retaining wall of the farmhouse garden on your right hand side. Follow the path around the edge of the orchard and through a gate into Holeslack Wood. There is an excellent view back towards the castle from the orchard.
Stage 6
The path continues through Holeslack wood with a gentle descent. There are some really impressive ancient trees throughout the wood and the ground flora is a delight through the flowering season.
Moss and lichen thrive on the Holeslack Accessible Trail | © Steven Barber Stage 7
As you reach the bottom of Holeslack wood, there is an optional left turn, taking you onto a small board walk and willow screen overlooking the pond. Return to the main path and continue on the path as it flanks the pond and emerges out into Flashbank, which is part of the historic deer park.
Stage 8
The path takes a left turn very close to a large, hollow ash tree pollard. The path then goes through a high gate hung from massive limestone stoops. The path then heads up hill on this historic track which is flanked by a wide hedge and stone wall. At the brow of the hill is a perch bench for a well deserved rest.
Stage 9
The final section of the walk heads down hill back to Sizergh, passing two veteran sweet chestnuts. They were planted by Cecilia Strickland in 1780, from seeds she collected at Versaille, making them an impressive 240 years old.
End point
Sizergh Castle car park, grid ref: SD498878
Trail map
Holeslack Accessible Trail | © National Trust
Get in touch
Access at Sizergh | Lake District
We want to make sure that Sizergh is accessible for all visitors. The historic house, gardens and estate we care for present challenges in creating access for all, but we are taking steps to ensure that as many people as possible are able to experience Sizergh’s history and beauty. Here you’ll find information about access across the different areas of Sizergh and how to make the most of your visit.
Borrow a mobility scooter to explore the garden and estate
Hire a tramper mobility scooter at Sizergh to assist your visit to the gardens in Kendal, Cumbria.