Route: Hutton-in-the-Forest
Area: North Eastern Lake District
Date of walk: 28th May 2018
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 2.0 miles
Weather: Sun and blue skies
Hutton-in-the-Forest is an ancient Cumbrian house tracing its origins back to the mid 14th century. The house and its surrounding estate was inherited in 1989 by the present Lord Inglewood, who lives at Hutton with his wife Cressida. I was last here two years ago in rather indifferent weather. Today was another day in a long spell of sun and blue skies, and a good time to revisit the gardens and grounds, which are amongst the best in the district. Dogs are not only tolerated here but are positively welcome so we were able to take Bonnie on our walk
We walked down a grass path mown in the meadow to the Low Garden and from here followed the woodland walk which skirts round the perimeter of the grounds and is full of mature specimen trees. A map of the woodland walk and gardens is provided at the entrance and this lists some of the oldest trees, many of them over 200 years old. We enjoyed the sight and scent of wild garlic, which was growing in profusion throughout the woodland
We then entered the Walled Garden, which is bounded by walls on two sides which were built in the 1730s and on the other two sides by yew hedges planted over a century ago, and these make a fitting backdrop to the herbaceous borders within. We were a little early in the season to see these at their peak – the roses in particular will look stunning next month. However the strength of the design ensures that there is beauty all year round
It was a thoroughly enjoyable visit and a morning very well spent
For other walks here, visit my Find Walks page and enter the name in the ‘Search site’ box
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Before we set off for the east of the district I went for an early morning walk up Lanthwaite Hill
Crummock Water from Lanthwaite Hill, a view which has featured often on these pages
Loweswater Fells from Lanthwaite Hill, also known as Brackenthwaite Hows
Descending to Crummock Water from the hill
Bonnie can't wait to get down there...
...and this is why - a cooling swim at the foot of the lake
Later on that morning, we arrive at Hutton-in-the-Forest - this is a view across The Park as we enter the grounds
Topiary on the terrace as we walk by the house...
One of the well placed benches along the terrace
The wonderful view over South Terrace to Low Garden and the lake beyond
We follow the mown path past the sundial and towards the cascade at the end of the path
Wild flowers on the banks of the beck
The Cascade
Looking back to the house...
...and along the path we'd followed
View from the bridge over the beck
Another look back to the house
We enter the woodland area, home to many ancient trees
Wild garlic...
Gazing up into the canopy...
The Dovecote, built in the 17th Century to keep doves for meat and eggs when fresh food was hard to obtain during winter
Rhododendron in the woodland
We emerge from the woods and walk along the terrace again, admiring the view to the Low Garden as we do so
More topiary on the terrace near the entrance to the Walled Garden
Entrance to the Walled Garden
Some photos of the garden...
Peak time for allium...
...and iris
A last look back to the house as we leave this special place
