Hawkshead: Trails, History and Literature

If you’re looking for a hotel in Hawkshead, you could first consider whether walking, cycling or the town’s history will shape your stay. Trails through meadows and along the shore meet a history of markets and schools, as well as literary connections.

Trails around Hawkshead

This short, linear walking route runs north from Hawkshead through meadows to Loanthwaite Lane. It starts at Black Beck Road; from the town centre, follow Hawkshead Trail signs for route 6 of the National Cycle Network to reach it. Check the National Park Authority’s latest route information before setting out, as signage and conditions can change.

A gentle walk to Esthwaite Water is also available near Hawkshead. The lake is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including ospreys. If you’d rather explore the landscape by bike, the Hawkshead to Wray route follows a traffic-free path along the shore all the way to Wray.

The Beatrix Potter Walk offers another route description: the right-hand turn leads around the southern end of Esthwaite Water and joins the road on the lake’s western side. From there, you can follow the road north to Hawkshead. This lets you incorporate different trail sections, each with clearly named destinations, into your plans without assuming walking times or distances.

For travel, Stagecoach bus route 505 connects Hawkshead with Kendal, Windermere and Ambleside. Timetables can change, so check the latest times before travelling.

Local history and literary heritage

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536, Hawkshead developed primarily as a market town. Another significant date in the town’s history is 1585: since the Hawkshead Grammar School was founded, its museum has told the story of school life there. William Wordsworth attended the school from the age of nine to seventeen.

The Hawkshead Grammar School Museum also offers historic games, dressing up and quill writing. These activities add practical insights into earlier forms of play, clothing and writing to the history of the school.

St. Michael & All Angels Church also brings together history and architecture. The church is a Grade I listed building; the present building was constructed around 1490. Check current access arrangements before your visit.

Beatrix Potter in Hawkshead

The former Beatrix Potter Gallery has reopened as Tabitha Twitchit’s Bookshop. The building that once housed the gallery served as William Heelis’s office. The town’s history here therefore encompasses both the former gallery space and the building’s use by Heelis.

Visitors to Tabitha Twitchit’s Bookshop can get a map of Beatrix Potter’s Hawkshead for a suggested donation of £2. Together with the Beatrix Potter Walk, this offers another possible focus for your stay: you can use the map to find your way or include the described route and its turns in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Maryport, Millom, Watermillock, Stapleton, Askam-In-Furness, Cotehill, Soulby, Killington

For the regional travel overview: Cumbria.