High Yewdale to Yew Tree Farm Walk (Lake District)
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The High Yewdale walk is a short, scenic route through peaceful woodland in the Lake District. You’ll follow a well-made track through oak woods, leading to the historic Yew Tree Farm, a traditional Lakeland farm set among dramatic hills.
This walk is about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) there and back, so it’s a great choice if you want a short, dog-friendly walk in the Lake District. You’ll see the steep slopes of Holme Fell and Yewdale Fell rising above the trees as you go.
Begin at the small car park in High Yewdale, follow the track through the woods to Yew Tree Farm, and return along the same path.
This walk is also featured in our guide to the 50 Best Dog Walks in the Lake District.
WALK OVERVIEW
Distance: 0.9 miles (1.5 km) return
Route type: Linear (0.45 miles each way)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
OS Map: Explorer OL7
Terrain: Compacted stone track with some short steeper slopes
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ROUTE DETAILS
Begin your walk at the small car park in High Yewdale, just south of Yew Tree Tarn.
From the car park, follow the road uphill for a short distance before crossing Shepherd’s Bridge. Shortly after the bridge, go through the gate on the right and join the main track heading through the woodland.
The route passes through beautiful oak woodland, with views opening up towards the craggy slopes of Holme Fell and Yewdale Fell above the valley.
The path has been improved with compacted stone, so it’s easy to follow. There are a few short, steep sections with a slope of about 1:6.
As you go on, the path climbs gently until you reach a junction with a footpath up to Holme Fell. At this point, turn right and follow the track downhill to Yew Tree Farm, a historic Lakeland farm featured in film versions of Beatrix Potter’s stories.
Pause to enjoy the scenery before heading back to the car park the way you came.
This peaceful woodland walk is a great dog-friendly option in the Lake District, especially if you’re staying near Coniston or Hawkshead. Remember to keep your dog under control, as there may be livestock or wildlife nearby.
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ACCESSIBILITY NOTES
This route is part of the Miles Without Stiles collection by the Lake District National Park, which highlights accessible walks across the region.
Key points to consider:
Compacted stone path for most of the route
Short sections with gradients steeper than 1:10, up to around 1:6
Some uneven ground where the track slopes downhill
Gates along parts of the route
Most of the path is well surfaced, but the steeper sections might be harder for some people.
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START POINT
Location: High Yewdale car park
Postcode: LA21 8DF
Grid reference: SD 314998
What3Words: ///emerald.accompany.served
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TURNING POINT
Location: Yew Tree Farm
Grid reference: SD 320998
What3Words: ///attaching.punt.inferior
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FACILITIES
There aren’t any facilities along the route itself.
The closest toilets are at Tarn Hows or in Coniston village, where you’ll also find cafés, pubs, and local shops
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GETTING THERE
By Car
Take the A593 between Ambleside and Coniston. About half a mile south of Yew Tree Tarn, turn onto the minor road marked Hodge Close. The small car park is 50 metres along this road on the left, which is where the walk starts.
By Bus
There isn’t direct public transport to the start of this walk, so it’s usually easiest to travel by car or taxi.
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LOOKING FOR MORE ROUTES?
Explore our guide to the 50 Best Dog Walks in the Lake District.
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Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate information, but please double-check details independently before making any plans based on this article.
Planning a Dog Friendly Lake District Break
Short woodland walks like High Yewdale are perfect for relaxed outings with your dog. The peaceful woods and views of the nearby hills make it a great way to explore a quieter part of the Lake District.
Many people stay near Coniston, Hawkshead, or Tarn Hows so they can enjoy this walk and other dog-friendly routes in the Lake District.
Browse our dog-friendly Lake District cottages to find the perfect place for your next walking holiday.
