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Recreation at Giggle Alley
 

On a low granite spur , which has its footage in the southern flank of Scafell, is a small woodland intriguingly known as Giggle Alley. Hidden at the heart of this wood is the remains of a Japanese Garden. In addition to the garden the woodland is a great place for a short family walk where children can enjoy playing hide and seek. The Japanese Garden was commissioned by Lord Rea and designed by Thomas Mawsons team of garden designers in 1914. At its heart are a series of pools (now filled only when it rains) surrouned by bamboo, magnolia and maples. The garden is being restored through a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the local community and is free to visit and open daily. The Post Office in Eskdale Green usually has a supply of guides for sale.

How to get there:

Eskdale Green is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: NY141002

Road
From the A595 follow the signs for Eskdale Green from the vilage of Gosforth. In Eskdale Green park at the small car park 100m east of the Post Office.
Rail
The nearest railway station is at Ravenglass on the line between Barrow and Carlisle. From Ravenglass take a ride on the wonderfull narrow gauge steam Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway up to Irton Road Station. Then walk 1km west into Eskdale Green

Start your visit from:

Smithy Brow Lane
Giggle Alley - Japanese Garden in Autumn

Facilities:

ToiletsParking

Activities:

Walking

Contact:

Gareth Browning
Beat Forester
017687 76816
e-mail: gareth.browning@forestry.gsi.gov.uk


active woods
What's of interest
Japanese Garden and short Woodland Walks with views into Eskdale and Miterdale.

What else is here
In Giggle Alley there is also
wild woods
Related pages
Useful sites
Find out more
What's the Forestry Commission doing about sustainable forestry or biodiversity? Try these links to find out.
Search our publications database for more indepth information, or look at Forest Research.

Follow the Forest Code at all times.


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