Sawrey walk (From Chorley Citizen)

Sawrey walk

2:45pm Monday 9th November 2009 in

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This walk leads through Beatrix Potter country and is ideal for families.

It also follows the banks of Windermere and provides idyllic views of wildlife and vessels both private and commercial.

Part of the route leads through quiet mixed woodlands with the distinct chance of a sighting of the increasingly treasured red squirrel.

This is the area which inspired Beatrix Potter to write her stories and which still inspire naturalists of today.

From the Sawrey Hotel descend and turn left at Far Sawrey post office, along a minor road.

Lake District minor roads are better described as minute.

Pass through the village, noticing the 19th century parish church of away to the left.

Then turn right onto an obvious footpath.

This leads through fields and gates. Turn sharp left at a sign indicating near Sawrey and Hill Top.

This footpath is maintained by the National Trust. The path meets yet another narrow road.

Turn left and reach a tiny parking area on the left and Hill Top on the right.

This is hidden away among trees and becomes quite congested during the season (the property is only open from April to October) but those who love Beatrix Potter cannot afford to miss it.

Helen Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) was born in Kensington and soon became recognised as an artist specialising in natural history.

She worked for the Natural History Museum and illustrated Wayside and Woodland Fungi, published by Frederick Warne.

She began to publish children’s stories which she funded herself but soon Frederick Warne realised the sales potential.

By 1905 her royalties allowed her to buy Hill Top Farm and for the rest of her life breed Herdwick sheep.

On her death, Beatrix left her house and lots of land to the National Trust.

From Hill Top turn left onto a minor road signed Lakeside and the YHA.

Look for a footpath leading left into the splendid Gamett wood and looks a treat in the autumn when colourful fungi abound.

Climb a gentle slope and cross a stile into a field.

Follow an obvious terraced track and meet a road across this.

Turn left and them immediate right and towards the reedy shores of Windermere.

Pass Jenny Crag and then once more approach the road.

Pass Ferry House on the right and then reach the Windermere Car Ferry.

Ferry house was once an Inn with a resident boatman who was on hand to row passengers over the lake.

In 1929 the Inn was bought by the Fresh Water Biological Association which soon became which soon became world famous for its ecological research.

Take time to enjoy to enjoy the comings and goings of the and boats.

From the ferry find a path opposite Ferry House. Turn right through a gate.

Turn left through another substantial gate and to the right find a National Trust sign indicating Near Sawrey and Hill Top.

Pass a ruinous pile known as The Station.

This dates back to the days of Victorian tourists who liked to be told where to view their beauty spots. Descend a paved track.

Turn right, passing a car park and through woodlands, one of the few places in England where native red squirrels can be seen.

The track reaches a road.

Cross this and then in a short distance turn right onto another footpath.

Continue to Far Sawrey and the starting point.