The Bowder Stone

Spring brings bluebells to the woodland, while autumn adds strong leaf colour. For a quieter visit and cleaner photographs, aim for a weekday or early in the day; this is a popular family stop on fine weather. Bowder Stone wood is also a recognised red-squirrel area. Spring and early summer, before the leaf canopy closes, or after leaves drop in autumn, give you the best chance of spotting one. Low cloud and rain can make the ladder and paths slippery, so allow extra time in poor weather.

From the National Trust car park, the stone is about a half-mile walk on a generally good track, usually around 10 to 15 minutes. The opening section is sloped, with steps by the ticket machine. A step-free alternative follows the car-park access track to the road and a short roadside section, but the approach is not uniformly level. Three disabled parking spaces are located beside the bus stop at the bottom of the steps.

The ladder is optional and is not part of the accessible ground-level experience. There are no toilets or refreshments at the stone, so use facilities in Keswick or Grange before setting out. Bring a waterproof layer and shoes that can handle damp, uneven ground.