Lowther Castle Walk
Explore 130 acres of gardens and castle terraces on this walk near Penrith in the Lake District.
The walk takes you around the dramatic ruins of the 1806 Gothic castle and then on to the Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre, situated in the walled garden of Lowther Castle. Here you can see over 150 falcons, hawks, eagles, buzzards and owls from the UK and abroad.
Other highlights in the grounds include sweeping lawns, Jack Croft's pond, beautiful Summer Houses and an escarpment with fabulous views of the Lake District's hills and mountains.
The castle, gardens and stable courtyard have been redeveloped since 2011 using £8.9m of funds secured from the North West development Agency and European Regional Development Fund. It has now been turned into a major visitor attraction with cafe, shop and a display area where visitors can find out more about the process of restoration.
If you have time you could also visit the adjacent Askham Hall gardens with colourful terraces, a 230ft long double herbaceous border, formal lawns, kitchen gardens, woodland, meadows and ponds. The River Lowther also runs past the grounds so there is the option of following the riverside path towards Yanwath Wood or Helton.
The climb to Askham Fell can also be started from the village.
Lowther Castle Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Lowther Castle Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Lowther Castle OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Lowther Castle Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
A few miles south of the castle you will find the historic ruins of Shap Abbey. If you have time the abbey and its associated park make for an excellent extension to your outing. There's more nice footpaths along the River Lowther with the 12th century abbey ruins making a splendid backdrop. The pleasant waterside trails along Wet Sleddale Reservoir and the climb to the limestone pavement on Crosby Ravensworth Fell, Orton Scar and the Great Asby Scar national nature reserve are also located in this area.
A few miles to the north east of Penrith you'll find one of the area's top attractions at Hutton in the Forest. The 17th century country house is surrounded by some beautiful landscaped gardens with herbaceous plants, ponds with cascades and some fine topiary. There's also a lovely woodland walk with some fine specimen trees and lots of wildlife.
Just to the east is the small village of King's Meaburn where you can enjoy a walk along the River Lyvennet and visit Jackdaw's Scar, an impressive limestone outcrop popular with rock climbers.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Lake District Walks and the Cumbria Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Photograph of the Emperor's Lodges at the entrance to a former drive to Lowther Castle, Cumbria, England
Lowther Castle
View over the Eden Valley from Lowther Castle Gardens
Wintering sheep near the castle. A frosty view in December 2007.