Revelin Moss sits at the foot of Grisedale Pike about 300m (1,000ft) above sea level. It was here in 1919 that the newly-formed Forestry Commission planted its first conifer plantation in the Lake District. Today this particular section of the commission's Whinlatter Forest is increasingly being allowed to revert to its natural state. Conifers are giving way to semi-natural woodland of oak, ash and rowan trees with natural grasses, ferns, moss and wild mountain flowers spreading out along the banks of Grisedale Gill. It's a really beautiful place to take a gentle stroll. Heading south on the outward leg of the journey there are magnificent views of Grisedale Pike rising steeply to an impressive 791m (2,570ft) above sea level. On the return section of this circular route there are views of Thornthwaite Forest. In the valley below is the River Derwent which joins Derwent Water to its northern neighbour, Bassenthwaite Lake. Skiddaw and Little Man can be seen in the distance from the car park at the start of the trail.
Route Revelin Moss trail is a 3km (1 mile) circular route. The path starts at a car park just opposite the Forestry Commission's Whinlatter Visitor Centre, in Thornthwaite Forest, about half way up Whinlatter Pass (1). The outward southerly leg of the journey follows Grisedale Beck. There is a gentle incline rising no more than about 1520m over 1 km before the route turns back north. There's a clearing and a bench to rest and enjoy the views (2). From here the path falls gently for about 1km before turning right over a bridge crossing Grisedale Beck (3). The route then rejoins the outward path for a couple of hundred metres back to the car park (1). The Forestry Commission has designed the path for all users. It is made of compacted gravel and is in very good condition.
Across the road from the Revelin Moss car park, about 300m away, is Whinlatter Visitor Centre, with a shop and refreshments: there's a children's play area and a number of other trails start from here (4). There is also an exhibition centre and visitors can enjoy watching live CCTV coverage of the famous ospreys' nesting site. This magnificent but badly persecuted bird of prey is a must to see, but you had better be quick, the sole surviving chick has already taken its first flight and expected to leave the nest in mid August.
LDNPA This walk is taken from a collection of more than 20 routes in the Lake District National Park that have been earmarked and maintained by the Lake District National Park Authority and are suitable for people with limited mobility. The routes, which have been checked by park rangers, are described in a special booklet Countryside Access For People With Limited Mobility' available from Tourist Information Centres. The routes are also covered on the authority's website: www.lake-district.gov.uk.
The Forestry Commission The Forestry Commission is the state forest service for GB managing the nation's forests for timber production, recreation, wildlife and conservation and landscape and design. One quarter of the Lake District National Park is managed by the FC covering a wide range of habitats. There are two Forest Parks in the Lake District at Grizedale and Whinlatter combining timber production and formal recreation.
Information
Overview: Wide flat path.
Distance: 3km circular path Time: Allow 1.5 hours Map Ref: Outdoor Leisure 4: The English Lakes - North Western Area. Start point GR209242.
Parking: Revelin Moss Car Park (off Whinlatter Pass road B5292).
Gradients: Mostly flat, with gentle inclines in places.
Refreshments: Visitor Centre, open daily 10am - 5.30pm with shop and refreshments: there's a children's play area and a number of other trails start from here.
Toilets: At the Visitor Centre including facilities for disabled people.
Public transport: Timetable: No. 77 (Honister Rambler) from Keswick to Whinlatter and then No 77A to return to Keswick - four times a day from Easter to October. Getting Around Cumbria and Lake District Timetable contains all bus, train and boat services in the national park. Available from all TICs and National Park Centres. Alternatively call Traveline - 0870-6082-608.
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