Daffodil Walks

the shores of Ullswater are reported to have been the influence for William Wordsworth's poem...however they are in abundance throughout Cumbria and if you fancy a walk through wild daffodils then Brigsteer Woods is a great place to go, too 

Daffodil Walk - Brigsteer Park
(known locally as Brigsteer Woods)

One of the very best places to find the beautiful British daffodils which so inspired William Wordsworth to write his famous poem can be found right on the edge of the Lake District National Park, just south of Kendal, in Brigsteer Woods. Catching the daffodils in full bloom is of course weather reliant, but as March turns to April and the daffodil season peaks there are places in Brigsteer Woods which transform to a spectacular carpet of yellow and inspire the poet within us all!

Getting to Brigsteer Woods

From the village of Levens (Almost due south of Kendal and north off the A590 to Barrow in Furness), travel north through Levens following signs for Brigsteer (approx 1.5 miles / 2.4 km). About halfway to Brigsteer after a very narrow section  of road you enter Brigsteer Woods.  At the beginning of the woods there is an area suitable for parking on the left and the footpath goes off this way to, west.  This is the best spot to start your walk, though there are also a few other parking places through the wood.  Please respect the wood and the neighbourhood and park with care. We know you will!

Alternatively, using the link below to the National Trust circular walk in this area, Park at point 3 on the map and just follow the paths shown in the woods to see the daffodils and smell the wild garlic, rather than following the whole walk.

Brigsteer Daffodil Walk

It is difficult to get lost in these woods as they are no more than a mile or so long and half a mile wide with some fairly clear pathways throughout.  

From the parking spot follow the path left (west) off the road and then turn right (north) through the woods.  There are plenty of options to loop round through the woods back to your car.  

*See National Trust Walk Below - The link to the NT Website has a clear map showing a circular Walk from Sizergh Castle (which has a fabulous cafe), through Brigsteer Woods (Brigsteer Park), includes the Bird Sanctuary Wetlands and with an option to walk up to St. John's Church with its fabulous views across to the Langdales in one direction and Morecambe Bay in the other.  You could also park at point 3 on the map (see link below) and just extend your walk as far as the Wetlands then retrace your steps. 

Brigsteer Woods - Circular Walk from Sizergh Castle and including Brigsteer Wetlands & Scout Scar Extension

England is criss-crossed with footpaths and Brigsteer is no exception! The National Trust property at Sizergh is also a great place to park and start your walk. In addition to Sizergh Castle the National Trust have a wonderful cafe there...and of course a loo too! Read more about the circular walk from Sizergh Castle with the option of Brigsteer Wetlands and the walk up to Helsington Church (St. Johns) here. 

Scout Scar Extension

For the more adventurous, you can continue on and emerge at the far (North) end of the woods into a field. Follow the footpath signs, diagonally up and across the field. Cross over the road and follow the footpath sign through Park End Farm and up the hill. 

This will take you up the fell to the East called Scout Scar which offers lovely views of the Lake District. You will climb the Southern end of this fell and can then turn right to descend down Flash Bank (local name) back to your car.

We would recommend taking a map if you are considering extending your walk to include Scout Scar.