Back Shaw Wood

Wood, Forest in Lancashire South Lakeland

England

Back Shaw Wood

Gateway by Bigland Tarn The track is a public footpath from Grassgarth to Birk Dault. Bigland House is in the right background. — Gateway by Bigland Tarn Credit: Adrian Taylor

Back Shaw Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Lancashire, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The wood is characterized by its dense canopy of mature trees, predominantly consisting of oak, ash, and beech. These towering trees provide a sheltered habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and insects. The undergrowth is rich with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, adding to the wood's natural beauty.

Visitors can explore the wood through a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, which wind their way through the trees and meander alongside a gentle stream. The tranquil atmosphere and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place for leisurely walks, birdwatching, or simply escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Back Shaw Wood is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with numerous species making their home within its boundaries. Common sightings include woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. The wood's proximity to agricultural fields and wetland areas further enhances its appeal to a diverse range of birdlife.

In addition to its natural beauty, Back Shaw Wood holds historical significance. It is believed to have been part of an ancient forest that once covered a large part of the region. Remnants of old stone walls and boundary markers can still be seen, providing glimpses into the wood's past.

Overall, Back Shaw Wood offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy peaceful walks, and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that thrive within its boundaries.

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Back Shaw Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.228088/-3.0099887 or Grid Reference SD3481. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Gateway by Bigland Tarn

The track is a public footpath from Grassgarth to Birk Dault. Bigland House is in the right background.

Adrian Taylor

Flush Bracket Benchmark, Bigland Tarn

Detail of the flush bracket benchmark on the Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar on the summit of Grassgarth Heights above Bigland Tarn (photograph SD3582 : Triangulation Pillar, Bigland Tarn). The flush bracket, benchmark number S5590, is on the north east face of the pillar and marks a height of 205.236m above sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn), last levelled for height in 1972.

Adrian Taylor

Triangulation Pillar, Bigland Tarn

The Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar on the summit of Grassgarth Heights, with Bigland Tarn and the Coniston Fells in the background. The pillar was constructed in 1949. The flush bracket benchmark number S5590 on the north east face of the pillar marks a height of 205.236m above sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last levelled for height in 1972 (photograph SD3582 : Flush Bracket Benchmark, Bigland Tarn).

Adrian Taylor

Bigland Heights

Rocky outcrops of Silurian Slate and windblown trees characterise this area of modest uplands.

Adrian Taylor

Gate, Bigland Heights

This gate is on the public footpath from Grassgarth to Birk Dault and although well inland it is the route of the Cumbria Coastal Way, currently forming a link between sections of the England Coast Path due to difficulties in negotiating a satisfactory coastal route for the latter through land owned by Holker Estates. The gate leads from High Stribers Wood onto the public access land of Bigland Heights.

Adrian Taylor

Path in High Stribers Wood

The path is a public footpath from Grassgarth to Birk Dault and although well inland it is the route of the Cumbria Coastal Way, currently forming a link between sections of the England Coast Path due to difficulties in negotiating a satisfactory coastal route for the latter through land owned by Holker Estates.

Adrian Taylor

Path in High Stribers Wood

Adrian Taylor

Entrance to Bigland Hall Caravan Park

Neil Theasby

Cumbria Coastal Way, Speel Bank

The gate, on the footpath between Grassgarth and Speel Bank Farm is, like almost all the gates on and adjacent to public rights of way in this area, marred by an unwelcoming sign warning against trespass. Far from the sea and more than 150m (500 feet) above sea level, this footpath is nevertheless the route of The Cumbria Coastal Way and the link between established sections of the England Coast Path. This section of the England Coast Path has not yet been defined due to protracted negotiations with Holker Estates.

Adrian Taylor

Rocks near Speel Bank

The small wooden waymark post to the left of the photograph marks the route of the public footpath from Speel Bank Farm to Grassgarth. Far from the sea and more than 150m (500 feet) above sea level, this footpath is nevertheless the route of The Cumbria Coastal Way and the link between established sections of the England Coast Path. This section of the England Coast Path has not yet been defined due to negotiations with Holker Estates proving difficult to conclude.

Adrian Taylor

Footpath near Speel Bank

This is the route of the public footpath from Speel Bank Farm to Grassgarth. Far from the sea and more than 150m (500 feet) above sea level, this upland footpath is the route of The Cumbria Coastal Way and the link between established sections of the England Coast Path. This section of the England Coast Path has not yet been defined due to difficulties in negotiating a satisfactory coastal route through land managed by Holker Estates.

Adrian Taylor

Rocky pasture near Speel Bank

The stand of trees have been left by felling in the Great Allotment plantation.

Adrian Taylor

Old Bridge Marker on the B6278 near Low Wood

Bridge Marker inscribed in the parapet of Low Wood Bridge, River Leven, on the northeast side of the B5278. Haverthwaite parish. Milestone Society National ID: LA_HAVER01br

M Hatton

Bridge at Haverthwaite

I'm not sure of the name of this bridge but it's a roadbridge that crosses the river Leven at Haverthwaite.

Lee Coward

Bigland Hall Caravan Park

In an old quarry near Burn Barrow Wood

Michael Graham

Stribers Farm

In between coastal mossland woodland and fells on the road to Holker.

Michael Graham

Baines Paddock

On Ellers Moss

Michael Graham

Fish House Moss

An ombrotrophic peat bog around 7m deep covered by sphagnum moss, heathers and reed grass. Conditions are very wet and acidic and only specialised plants survive. In these anaerobic conditions decomposition is very slow. Jump up and down here and watch the ripples move across the bog as if it was a giant waterbed! Ancient civilizations considered these places sacred because of their preserving properties and bodies were sometimes buried with hoards of treasure in sites like this! View is approx NW towards Coniston Old Man covered in snow in the distance.

Gary Rogers

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Back Shaw Wood is located at Grid Ref: SD3481 (Lat: 54.228088, Lng: -3.0099887)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: South Lakeland

Police Authority: Cumbria