You may remember in 2023 we visited Whinlatter for the Zog adventure trail. Whinlatter is a fabulous family-friendly day out just west of Keswick, and from February half term holiday 2025 they’ve introduced a new activity trail.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about visiting and enjoying the latest addition to Whinlatter, the Stick Man forest adventure.

About Whinlatter Forest

Within the world heritage site of the Lake District lies England's only true mountain forest, Whinlatter. The area offers stunning views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick.

If you fancy exploring more than just the Stick Man activity trail at Whinlatter (that this blog post is about!), you can also hikes to the fell summit and bag a Wainwright, hire bikes, explore adventure playgrounds and so much more.

Where can I park?

There is a car park beside the Whinlatter Visitor Centre,

Up to 20 minutes: Free
First hour: £2.60
Maximum daily charge: £10

N.B. Car parking charges apply at all times to all vehicles. This includes Blue Badge holders.

To find the car park, use this post code: CA12 5TW

How to make the most of the Stick Man trail at Whinlatter Forest

Purchase the Stick Man trail activity pack

The Whinlatter Forest visitor centre is the place you want to head to first. Here you can purchase the Zog Trail activity pack. They are £4 each. Inside the Stick Man trail activity pack you'll find:

A kraft paper bag (take it home to colour it in!)
A Stick Man lanyard
Adventure passport cards to attach to the lanyard
A sticker sheet of ‘stamps’ to tick off each activity
A pipe cleaner to help make your own Stick Man
A Whinlatter leaflet
A pencil
A crayon

Create a Stick Man

Follow the arrows to make it to each check point

Find each checkpoint

Complete the activities

Tick off the bonus character signs

Complete the trail

Keep an eye out for bonuses

Whether it's the characters from the Gruffalo Orienteering or the alpacas in the field at the end of the Stick Man trail, there are plenty of additional opportunities to enjoy Whinlatter in addition to the activity itself.

FAQs about our family days out

Is it suitable for children and / or dogs?

As long as you are aware of each individuals capabilities, Whinlatter can be a fabulous day out for the whole family, including your fur babies!

Are there facilities available?

Adjacent to the visitor centre are fully accessible toilets and changing facilities which are open 8:30am - 8:30pm.

Is there anywhere to eat nearby?

There are plenty of picnic benches available within the forest, or you can visit Café Ambio between the hours of 10am - 5pm at the back of Whinlatter Forest visitor centre.

Whatever the weather, Whinlatter Forest is a stunning place to visit and offers so many options for everyone of any age and ability to enjoy the area. Now, with this blog post, you have all the information you need to be able to head up and explore the Stick Man trail for yourself.

For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful places we have on our Cumbrian doorstep check out my Lake District category here. Have you found somewhere free and amazing in the Lake District? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.