Muncaster Castle

Muncaster Castle

South Western Lake District

Route: Muncaster Castle

Area: South Western Lake District

Date of walk: 18th August 2016

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 6.0 miles

Ascent: 600 feet

Weather: Mostly sunny, very warm, hazy

Muncaster Castle is set in a wonderful position amidst 77 acres of historic gardens with views to the Scafells, and a visit here could easily occupy a full day as there’s so much on offer. As an added bonus there are numerous walking opportunities incorporating a visit to the castle

We parked in the car park opposite the castle grounds and as luck would have it we arrived just as the 11.30am display by the Hawk and Owl Centre was due to start. It was a thrill to see several magnificent owls at close quarters

After the display was over we walked through the castle grounds to join a path running beside the River Esk which flows into the nearby Irish Sea and is tidal along this stretch. The riverside section was about one mile in length (though this can easily be extended as a glance at the OS map will show) but for us it was time to head inland through fields and woodland back to the castle. Despite the beauty of the surroundings, and the fact that it’s the height of the holiday season, we only saw a small handful of other walkers

As we arrived back at the castle, and by another slice of luck, the 2pm display by the Hawk and Owl Centre was due to start. This is held in a different location and with different birds and was just as enjoyable as the first display. After the end of it we walked through the grounds back to the start, conscious that we’d only scraped the surface of this wonderful place, but we’ll be back for another visit

For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box

Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)

Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow

Previous walk: « | Next walk: »