🎃 October half term is creeping up! See what’s on across the Lake District.
Tucked away just south of Ambleside, the Champion Tree Trail through Skelghyll Woods circular is a short walk perfect for toddlers and takes you past some of the tallest trees in the UK.
Most of these colossal pines and firs were planted back in Victorian times by local landowners showing off rare species brought over from North America and beyond. Today, those saplings have grown into giants and many ‘champion’ trees, including England’s tallest Douglas fir, standing at an impressive 60 metres tall, can be marvelled at up close as you traverse the woodland trail.
Also, keep your eyes peeled as red squirrels, who enjoy the ample food available, call this ancient woodland home.
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When planning your visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Please also take all litter home with you, don’t bring BBQs, and park your car in designated parking areas. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change.
PARKING INFORMATION: Please do not rely solely on the postcode for parking directions. In the National Park, a postcode can cover a large area. Postcodes are only provided as guidance. Please either use the Google Maps point or what3words, which are provided on every walk guide.
Skelghyll Woods walk map
On all Lake District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7 (English Lakes South-eastern Area). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.
Need to know
DISTANCE OF WALK: 1km / 0.6 miles
TERRAIN: Narrow and rough tracks with areas of ascent and descent throughout. There is one area of steep climb with rough terrain underfoot. Sturdy trainers or walking boots are definitely recommended. Babies must be in carriers, this toddler walk is not pram friendly.
PARKING: National Trust Stagshaw Gardens car park. Click here for Google Map location. Postcode: LA22 0HE. Parking is free but extremely limited. There are roughly 5 spaces available.
WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Champion-size conifer trees dominate the woodland landscape. During spring, the floor becomes carpeted with wildflowers including bluebells. Red squirrels can often be spotted amongst the trees due to the abundance of conifer cones – their favourite snack!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Allow 30-45 mins.
TOTAL ASCENT: 65 metres
FACILITIES: There are no facilities available at any point during the walk.
The route
START: National Trust Stagshaw Gardens car park
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: NY 3810 0290
Post code: LA22 0HE
what3words: ///nozzle.remembers.rejected
Route follows an anticlockwise direction.
1. Exit the carpark to pass the National Trust ‘Welcome to Skelghyll Woods’ sign on your left. There are immediately 3 path options: take the middle route which leads directly ahead, signposted by a white tree waymarker with a number 1.
2. The wide path leads you past the first of the champion trees, before veering left and up a steep incline over tree roots and rough terrain.
Information plaques on individual trees in this area tell you about the champions around you. Be sure to stop and take in their size!
3. A white tree waymarker (number 3) half way up the hill indicates a right turn onto a rocky outcrop. The route from here winds uphill before rejoining the main path. Waymarker number 4 indicates that you’re on the right track.
4. The path now curves to the right (following waymarker 5) and intersects with a level path. Turn left and follow the clear route.
5. As you reach a junction in the track, veer left to remain on the wider path (signposted waymarker 7) as it weaves through the woodland and back down towards the car park.
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Also, feel free to share your walk photos in our Lake District Kids Facebook Group or on Instagram using by tagging @lakedistrictkidsuk in your caption so we can share with our wider community.
Want more ideas for family walks? Use the search walks page to find the perfect family walk.
And if you’re hiking with little ones, check out our tips for hiking with kids under 5 to help you get a extra mile or two out of those little legs.