Hobcarton Plantation

Wood, Forest in Cumberland Allerdale

England

Hobcarton Plantation

Whinlatter Top A remarkably well-trodden path leads to this rather undistinguished summit west of Whinlatter Forest, and we weren't the only visitors despite the increasingly unpleasant weather with winds rising towards gale force later in the day.
Whinlatter Top Credit: Andy Waddington

Hobcarton Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Cumberland, England. Situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park, it covers an area of approximately 200 acres, consisting primarily of dense forests and ancient woodlands.

The plantation is renowned for its diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which provide a lush and vibrant habitat for an array of wildlife. It is home to numerous species of birds, such as woodpeckers, tawny owls, and redstarts, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. These paths wind through towering trees and lead to secluded clearings, offering tranquil spots for picnics or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Hobcarton Plantation also holds historical significance, as it was once part of the larger Lowther Estate, owned by the influential Lowther family. Remnants of old stone walls and abandoned farm buildings can still be found within the plantation, serving as a reminder of the area's rich past.

With its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, Hobcarton Plantation provides a haven for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the woods or a more challenging hike, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural splendor of this enchanting woodland.

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Hobcarton Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.600841/-3.2551411 or Grid Reference NY1923. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Whinlatter Top A remarkably well-trodden path leads to this rather undistinguished summit west of Whinlatter Forest, and we weren't the only visitors despite the increasingly unpleasant weather with winds rising towards gale force later in the day.
Whinlatter Top
A remarkably well-trodden path leads to this rather undistinguished summit west of Whinlatter Forest, and we weren't the only visitors despite the increasingly unpleasant weather with winds rising towards gale force later in the day.
Escapee trees on the shoulder of Whinlatter Top Although introduced plantation trees seed freely, they don't often establish among the sedges and grasses which are grazed by sheep as well as native wildlife. This one seems to be doing well, west of the forest, so it had the extra good fortune to have been blown here against the prevailing wind.
Escapee trees on the shoulder of Whinlatter Top
Although introduced plantation trees seed freely, they don't often establish among the sedges and grasses which are grazed by sheep as well as native wildlife. This one seems to be doing well, west of the forest, so it had the extra good fortune to have been blown here against the prevailing wind.
Ridge extending to east from summit of Whiteside The ridge connects Whiteside with Hopegill Head which is the shadowed, pointed mountain. Grizedale Pike is beyond it, sunlit.
Ridge extending to east from summit of Whiteside
The ridge connects Whiteside with Hopegill Head which is the shadowed, pointed mountain. Grizedale Pike is beyond it, sunlit.
Heading for the cloud containing Hopegill Head Deprived of any view from Grisedale Pike, we didn't have to drop very far at all to be back below the cloud, but the fresh northwesterly was particularly fierce in this gap on the way to Hobcarton Head and Hopegill Head (the latter hidden above cloudbase, whilst the former makes a brief appearance). Only a short distance further, the breeze became quite tolerable once again, though still pretty chilly, as is to be expected in November. At least the nasty patch showing on the rainfall radar forecast in the middle of the day didn't actually give us a shower.
Heading for the cloud containing Hopegill Head
Deprived of any view from Grisedale Pike, we didn't have to drop very far at all to be back below the cloud, but the fresh northwesterly was particularly fierce in this gap on the way to Hobcarton Head and Hopegill Head (the latter hidden above cloudbase, whilst the former makes a brief appearance). Only a short distance further, the breeze became quite tolerable once again, though still pretty chilly, as is to be expected in November. At least the nasty patch showing on the rainfall radar forecast in the middle of the day didn't actually give us a shower.
One way off Hopegill Head - Ladyside Pike By this time, we had not expected any view from the summit of Hopegill Head (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7333431">NY1922 : Heading for the cloud containing Hopegill Head</a>) but the cloudbase lifted a few tens of metres to show us the various ways on. Both routes towards the Buttermere valley are splendid ridgewalks, this way towards Ladyside Pike remaining on the tops for a shorter distance than the route over Whiteside which I recall from almost five decades ago as being a fine romp. With our car back at Braithwaite and no shuttle, today we would not get to enjoy either...
One way off Hopegill Head - Ladyside Pike
By this time, we had not expected any view from the summit of Hopegill Head (see NY1922 : Heading for the cloud containing Hopegill Head) but the cloudbase lifted a few tens of metres to show us the various ways on. Both routes towards the Buttermere valley are splendid ridgewalks, this way towards Ladyside Pike remaining on the tops for a shorter distance than the route over Whiteside which I recall from almost five decades ago as being a fine romp. With our car back at Braithwaite and no shuttle, today we would not get to enjoy either...
Grisedale Pike summit
Grisedale Pike summit
Dead trees on Ladyside Pike
Dead trees on Ladyside Pike
Looking back to Hopegill Head
Looking back to Hopegill Head
Climbing from Hobcarton Forest towards Grisedale Pike Tough walking on the blanks of Hobcarton End
Climbing from Hobcarton Forest towards Grisedale Pike
Tough walking on the blanks of Hobcarton End
Grisedale Pike looking towards Hobcarton Crag A very windy day so we didn't stay long on the summit.
Grisedale Pike looking towards Hobcarton Crag
A very windy day so we didn't stay long on the summit.
The north ridge of Ladyside Pike The north ridge of Ladyside Pike.  The Kirkcudbright Hills are visible in the distance beyond the Solvay Firth
The north ridge of Ladyside Pike
The north ridge of Ladyside Pike. The Kirkcudbright Hills are visible in the distance beyond the Solvay Firth
Whiteside Ridge
Whiteside Ridge
Ladyside Pike A fine example of the tenacity of the Lakeland dry stone wall builders, along the ridge of Ladyside Pike. Looking north from Hopegill Head. In the far distance beyond the Solway Firth is Scotland.
Ladyside Pike
A fine example of the tenacity of the Lakeland dry stone wall builders, along the ridge of Ladyside Pike. Looking north from Hopegill Head. In the far distance beyond the Solway Firth is Scotland.
Forestry Track in Hobcarton Plantation
Forestry Track in Hobcarton Plantation
Bridge over Hobcarton Gill
Bridge over Hobcarton Gill
Forestry Track in Hobcarton Plantation
Forestry Track in Hobcarton Plantation
Forestry Track at Hobcarton Plantation
Forestry Track at Hobcarton Plantation
On Sand Hill with Gasgale Gill beyond
On Sand Hill with Gasgale Gill beyond
Show me another place!

Hobcarton Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NY1923 (Lat: 54.600841, Lng: -3.2551411)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Allerdale

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///idealist.equality.formed. Near Keswick, Cumbria

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.600841,-3.2551411
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 54.6008678/-3.2612839
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 54.6006627/-3.2622383
Hobcarton
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 54.5975423/-3.2533734
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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