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Thorneythwaite Farm Picnic and Waterfall walk, North Lakes Outdoors

EasyEngland · United Kingdom

GPX
Distance
1.9 km (1.2 mi)
Elevation gain
42 m (138 ft)
Typical time
28 min
Difficulty
Easy
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
Not recorded

About Thorneythwaite Farm Picnic and Waterfall walk, North Lakes Outdoors

Thorneythwaite Farm Picnic and Waterfall walk, North Lakes Outdoors is a 1.9 km hiking route in England, United Kingdom. It climbs roughly 42 m (138 ft) along the way. Most people take around 28 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It is an easy walk that most reasonably fit visitors can finish without training.

The lakeshore section is the natural place to stop, eat and swim if the season allows. You hear the falls before you see them, which makes the final approach genuinely exciting. Tree cover shades most of the route, which makes it a sound choice on hot afternoons.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Kendal, about 33.7 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by National Trust.

In short, Thorneythwaite Farm Picnic and Waterfall walk, North Lakes Outdoors suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Easy1.9 km42 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Waterfall
  • Lake
  • Forest

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
74/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
22/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
6/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
82/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
87/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
70/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Go within a day or two of rain if you want the falls at full volume.
  • Calm mornings give mirror reflections on the water, so it is worth being there early.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United Kingdom are reached on 999. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Bring a small tripod and a neutral density filter if you want the classic silky water, and shoot on an overcast day to avoid blown highlights. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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