CUMBRIA / WOODLAND WALK / CIRCULAR ROUTE
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Grizedale Forest Walk
A woodland circuit for a shorter Lake District outing, with forest tracks, narrower paths and a return to the same car park. Use our 4.35 km map alongside current local signs.
At a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing
A short walk in the Lake District does not have to mean a flat stroll. This Bogle Crag circuit explores the woodland of Grizedale Forest on a mixture of tracks, footpaths and bridleway, with climbs and uneven ground to keep it interesting. It is a useful choice when you want a couple of hours outside without committing to an all-day fell walk.
The route shown here measures 4.35 km (2.7 miles) and returns to the trail access beside Bogle Crag car park. Allow around two hours, with extra time for breaks or wet ground. It suits walkers comfortable following a map through several forest junctions.
There is an important distinction: our map shows a 4.35 km Bogle Crag circuit. Forestry England’s current pink-waymarked trail is 5 km, so the two lines should not be treated as interchangeable. The route line has been checked for continuity, but has not been surveyed on foot by Days Out Now. Check the current forest information before travelling and follow any signed diversions or closures.
Which Grizedale route does this map show?
The map contains one continuous woodland loop with a short shared approach from the car park. It does not visit Grizedale Tarn or climb Carron Crag. Those are separate walks, so do not add their distances or directions to this outing.
For a clockwise circuit, the mapped line heads generally north from the start, follows the northern part of the loop east through the forest, then curves around the eastern and southern sides before returning north towards the approach. The stages below describe that overall shape; they are not surveyed turn-by-turn directions.
Choose your route before leaving the car park
If you prefer to follow waymarkers throughout, use Forestry England’s current Bogle Crag Trail and its latest map instead. Do not assume the pink markers will follow our 4.35 km line at every junction.
A shorter walk or a longer stay?
For a different outing centred on a lake, see our Tarn Hows walking guide. To build a weekend around several walks, explore the Lake District guide collection and our Lake District break planner.
Mapped and ready
See the real route before you set off
Open the interactive map before setting off and save an offline map for the walk.
Step-by-step directions
Follow the route
Start with the correct map
Open the route and locate the start/finish marker at 54.3302685, -3.0201197. Read the information boards before leaving the car park. Decide whether you are following this mapped variant or Forestry England’s current waymarked trail; they are different routes.
Route advice: Save the route for use without a reliable mobile signal.
Follow the shared approach into the woodland
The mapped route initially heads north from the start to reach the loop. This short approach is also used on the return. For the clockwise direction described here, continue around the northern section and follow the line east through the forest.
Route advice: Use the map at each junction; these are overview stages, not a surveyed turn list.
Complete the eastern and southern circuit
Follow the mapped tracks and paths around the eastern side of the loop, then around its southern side towards the west. This is the main woodland section of the outing. Keep to the mapped paths rather than cutting between neighbouring tracks.
Route advice: Allow time for uneven ground and give other trail users space.
Rejoin the approach and return to the car park
The western side of the circuit leads north to rejoin the shared approach. Retrace that short section to the original start/finish pin. Check your parking payment before leaving; a café stop at the visitor centre is a separate addition to the walk.
Route advice: The complete mapped circuit is 4.35 km; do not add a second lap at the junction.
Before you go
Practical information
Make the walk the centre of a relaxed half-day
Leave room in your plans for a stop at Grizedale’s visitor centre before or after the walk. Bogle Crag is a separate starting point: the café and visitor facilities should be treated as an extra stop, rather than something you will automatically pass on this loop.
Where to stay
Hawkshead is a useful place to begin comparing accommodation for a Grizedale visit. Check the actual property location and the drive to Bogle Crag before booking; a Lake District address can cover a much wider area than this walk. Use the accommodation map to compare options for your dates.
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Parking
Paid parking at Bogle Crag; check the tariff on arrival.
Tickets and booking
Check the Bogle Crag parking tariff on arrival; book any separate activities directly with their operator.
Seasonal considerations
Wet weather can make woodland paths muddy and slippery. Allow more daylight in winter and avoid entering the forest during severe-weather closures. A sheltered-looking route is not a safe alternative in high winds.
Toilets and refreshments
Toilets and café facilities are listed at the main visitor centre; check opening hours before relying on them.
Terrain
Forest tracks, footpaths and bridleway; climbs and uneven sections.
Accessibility
This mapped variant has not been audited for step-free access. Do not treat it as a wheelchair or pushchair route. Ask Grizedale Visitor Information about suitable accessible trails and mobility hire.
Facilities
Visitor facilities are at Grizedale’s main visitor centre, separate from this route start.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in Grizedale. Keep them under control, follow local lead signs and take waste away.
Public transport
A bus connection to this specific trailhead has not been verified. If travelling without a car, arrange and confirm both outward and return transport before setting off.
Road conditions, tolls or permits
Use the Bogle Crag start pin rather than the general Grizedale visitor-centre destination.
Safety
Carry a usable map, charged phone, water, weather protection and footwear with grip. Pause at junctions to check the route. Some mapped sections allow cycling; leave room for other users. Do not bypass forestry barriers or enter closed tracks.
Important cautions
The current official Bogle Crag Trail is 5 km. Our 4.35 km map follows a different alignment. Local closures and diversions take priority.
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Useful answers
Grizedale Forest Walk FAQs
Is this the official Bogle Crag Trail?
No. This map shows a 4.35 km circuit. Forestry England currently advertises a 5 km pink-waymarked Bogle Crag Trail. Choose one route before setting off and use its corresponding map.
Is the walk circular?
Yes. It returns to the same start pin, with a short approach section walked in both directions.
Does this route go to Grizedale Tarn?
No. Grizedale Tarn is a separate outing. This circuit stays in the Bogle Crag part of the forest.
Does it climb Carron Crag?
No. Do not expect the Carron Crag summit or its trig point on this route.
Is Bogle Crag the main visitor-centre car park?
No. Use the Bogle Crag start marker. The main visitor centre and its facilities are a separate stop.
Why does the distance differ from other guides?
The line on this page measures 4.35 km. Other guides may describe a different alignment, including Forestry England’s current 5 km trail. Distances should always be matched to the route being followed.
Is this a good first forest walk?
It may suit a walker comfortable with modest climbs, uneven paths and checking a map at junctions. For a first outing where you want continuous waymarkers, consider the current official trail instead.
Has Days Out Now walked and surveyed this route?
No. This is a desk-planned route, with visitor information checked on 25 September 2026. Map checks do not confirm current ground conditions.
Can I combine it with another Lake District walk?
You can plan another outing separately, but allow for travel, daylight and your walking pace. Our Tarn Hows guide offers a different lake-focused walk; it is not an extension included in this map.
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