Gummer’s How

Although Gummer’s How is only a short adventure, the trail can be a bit tough to navigate in certain areas. Make sure to bring a GPS or pay very close attention to the path in order to complete the loop portion of the circuit. Additionally, the lightly-travelled nature of the path means that it can also be a bit rugged under foot. Wear proper walking boots to better traverse the terrain.

If anything, the need for some basic route finding skills along the loop portion of this walk will only add to the sense of adventure that you will feel after taking in the amazing views from atop Gummer’s How. With a short overall distance and a fair amount of shade provided by the canopy of the forest, this trail is well-suited for a quick adventure on a hot summer day.

Setting out from the car park, follow the trail northeast for 275ft and turn left at the junction. After passing through the gate, make your way across the road to pick up the trail on the opposite side. Here, you will pass through another gate and cross an open stretch of terrain before entering into the cover of the forest.

Keep straight for 0.3mi, where you will exit the tree cover and come to another fork in the trail. Head left here to begin the relatively steep ascent to the summit of Gummer’s How. Even though the hill is fairly short, you will have a spectacular view across the Lake District landscape, including a sightline that runs the length of the dark blue expanse of Windermere.

After taking in the views, head east along the trail to slightly descend along the hillside and arrive at a junction. Head right here and keep an eye on the GPS to help you travers the lightly-travelled terrain along the eastern slope of the hill. After 0.1mi, you will meet back up with the main trail. Follow it to the left to head back through the forest on the return journey to the Gummer’s How car park.