Grab a pair of wellies from the boot rack, and take a walk in the ancient woodland that surrounds the Inn.
The Wild Boar Woodland View
Frosty scenery in the Wild Boar Woods
Woodlands at the Wild Boar Hotel
72 Acres of Private Woodland
There’s a wide range of trees, wildlife, history, art and activities that makes this 72 acre site a very special place indeed. Ideal for a post lunch stroll or working up an appetite for your evening meal or for enjoying your Afternoon Tea Picnic.
Wildlife Cam
In the heart of our 72 acre ancient woodland we have placed Wildlife Cam's to capture footage of the wildlife which call The Wild Boar woodlands home. Over the past few months we have seen the seasons change and plenty of wildlife activity featuring badgers, foxes, rabbits and deer.
Check out our Wildlife Cam highlights with special help from Tim and Lily.
Episode 3 - June to August 2021
Episode 2 - May to June 2021
Episode 1 - February to April 2021
Trees & Wildlife
Alder, Silver Birch, Hawthorn, Holly, Hazel and Wild Cherry take their place amongst the majestic Douglas Fir, Sessile Oak and sweeping Larch. The variety of trees is dwarfed in number only by the range of birds and wildlife that can be spotted.
There are over forty different species of birds including Mistle Thrush, Treecreeper, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Pheasant, Sparrowhawk, Eagle Owl and Peregrine Falcon. In springtime it’s delightful to watch, via webcam, some of the eggs hatch in nesting boxes secreted in the woods.
If you happen to find yourself in the right place at the right time, the quick of eye might spot foxes, badgers, squirrels, otters, lizards, adders and slow worms, red deer and roe deer.
Military History
A wonderful example of an ancient Sweet Chestnut stands beside the many old trunks of coppiced sweet chestnuts. The wood was used for charcoal in the production of gunpowder and methanol explosives in the First World War. Continuing on the military theme, the former rifle platforms are evidence that the woods were used for target shooting by volunteers of the Rifle Corps in the Great War.
The Wild Boar history map shows ‘Hell Fire Pass’ and ‘Blighty Don’, memories perhaps of action in the Crimean and Boer Wars. Even earlier than this, the woods supported the thriving textile industry in Kendal, supplying softened flax fibres from the many retting ponds, now drained and colonized by wetland species.
Art Installations
There’s a whole series of organic and sculptural seating at positions to take advantage of views through the woods and along the Gilpin Valley. The latest striking edition is features owls either end designed and produced by a local artist.
Woodland Activities
Try your hand at archery, clay pigeon shooting or axe throwing, available with Michael Coates. Please note activities must be pre-booked directly with Michael Coates.