Whitbarrow — Local services in England

Wonderful upland limestone pavement with views, rare wild flowers, birds and butterflies. Stout boots essential - hard rocky paths. Public information is a bit vague as to where to park and how to get in: but there is some parking near Witherslack Hall.

If you approach from the south, through Witherslack, turn right immediately when you get to Witherslack Hall (sign says Oversands School). This is a short lane about 50m long. A few parking spots are down on the right.

Follow the public footpath through the kissing gate at the end of this lane and follow the track down across the field. Walk past a small soccer field on your left, then jump over the fence on your left at the small yellow chevron which indicates the public footpath. Walk along the bottom of the soccer field, and from the far corner the path leads steeply up to the right through the woodlands to the top of Whitbarrow Nature Reserve.

There are no helpful signs. I suppose this keeps out the riff-raff,...

A gem - described by Wainwright in his guide to the Outlying Fells as "'the most beautiful walk in this book, beautiful it is every step of the way. ... All is fair to the eye on Whitbarrow".

The hill is a limestone outcrop surrounded by idyllic woodland. The landscape is stark and surreal. It's a haven for wild flowers, for deer and for rare birds and butterflies. And best of all, there are breathtaking views of the fells and the coastline.

Go on a clear day when you can enjoy the panorama, and set aside enough time to explore the nooks and corners. You...

ENTRANCE: just before the entrance to the school go to the right side all the way next to the fence - next to some overgrown barn. You can park here for free. Space for 2 or 3 cars.

Nice little place when it comes to scenery in general but if you're unwilling to climb all the way to the top you may potentially miss out on some great views. There are however a couple of other paths if you do not want to climb and can instead walk around the nature...