Lakeland Tree Trails

Muncaster Castle's new woodland walks offer a feast for the senses.

The award-winning Muncaster Castle in the Western Lake District is bringing visitors closer to nature and history with the launch of two new woodland trails this autumn.

Not only can visitors expect a dazzling display of seasonal colours, but they can also enjoy a fragrant mix of candy floss and spice on the specially designed tree walks, which offer a feast for the senses.

The 21 trees featured on the walks have been carefully selected by Muncaster's Head Gardener Jason Haine for their tactile qualities and unusual aromas, which reach their peak during September and October.

The Katsura tree has small round leaves which smell of candy floss when they fall. The leaves of the Laurelia tree at Muncaster have a spicy scent and it is one of only seven specimens in the country.

The trees have also been chosen for their rarity, grandeur and history. Tom Fool's Tree is a sweet chestnut, which marks the spot where Thomas Skelton, Muncaster's Fool in the 16th century, would sit and amuse himself at the expense of travellers. Tom Fool was also the inspiration for the Fool in Shakespeare's King Lear.

The Fitzroya is a classified 'Endangered' variety with extensive cultural and historical value. In the past it was used to make barrels, furniture, musical instruments and even pencils.

Muncaster's Head Gardener Jason Haine says, "Muncaster's trees have been around a lot longer than us and many have a story to tell that we wanted to share with our visitors.

"Our featured specimens not only look nice, but they have some interesting smells and textures that you can't help but stroke. You don't have to be a garden lover to enjoy the tree walks; they're a great sensory experience too."

Visitors are provided with a combined 'Muncaster Castle Tree Walk' map and guidebook, which shows how to spot each specimen and provides a brief history and facts on each one. There are two routes marked on the map. The first is a level walk for all the family and all abilities. The second is more adventurous and suitable footwear is recommended.

Many people find that the sights, sounds and smells of trees help to produce a feel good factor, so the new woodland walks are a good way to keep fit and beat the autumn and winter blues. Visitors can also look out for wildlife along the trails, which include herons, owls and wild fowl.

Sir John Pennington, first Lord Muncaster, came to live at the Castle in 1778 and began to restore the building and landscape the gardens. Much of his legacy remains in the form of 'The Terrace' and the vast number of trees surrounding the castle.

In the 1920s it was Sir John Ramsden, 6th Baronet, who planted many of the interesting trees and shrubs in the gardens that are enjoyed by visitors today. The protecting waters of the Gulf Stream and the acid soil make ideal conditions for a variety of trees, including the Japanese Umbrella Pine and the Wellingtonia.

Muncaster boasts an historic 77-acre garden which has been privately owned by the same family for nearly 800 years. Other highlights of the gardens include the Sino-Himalayan Garden, a Georgian Terrace with spectacular views of the Lakeland fells and a kitchen garden and plant centre in which visitors can buy some of the more unusual varieties. A Physic and Herb garden is also being developed which includes plants used in current medicine, aromatic herbs and some ancient remedies.

Entry to Muncaster costs £7 for adults, £5 for children over 5 and family tickets cost £22. Entry includes the gardens, the World Owl Centre and a children's MeadowVole Maze. Entry to the Castle costs an extra £2.50 for adults, £1.50 for children and £5 on a family ticket.

Muncaster is open daily from 10.30am to 6pm. The Castle is open from 12noon to 5pm daily except Saturdays.

Muncaster is on the A595 near Ravenglass in the Western Lake District.

For more information on the gardens at Muncaster you can go to: www.muncaster.co.uk

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