I spent a lovely morning in Whinlatter Forest yesterday doing some navigation coaching. According to the Foresty Commission (who own Whinlatter) it is England's only true mountain forest. Their definition of a "true forest" is perhaps a little different to mine considering the fact that the vast majority of this forest was planted but it is still a great place to practice basic navigation skills.
There is a large network of trails in the forest most of which are marked accurately on the 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey maps. There have been some updates on the maps for this area in the last few years so it is useful to have the most recent version. It is worth nothing that the updates to the paths have NOT been made to the latest version of the 1:25,000 maps on the Memory Map CDs; the new access land boundaries have been added to older maps to create the new CD.
Once you have successfully navigated yourself around the forest and enjoyed the views towards Bassenthwaite Lake, Skiddaw and Grisedale Pike you can rest your feet in the wonderful Siskin's Tearoom in the visitor centre. Lovely homemade food and good service; very popular though so time your arrival carfeully.
If you need to burn off some calories after overdoing it in the cafe you can try out the Lake District's longest purpose built mountain bike trail - bring your own bikes or hire them onsite - or climb up high into the trees on the GoApe high ropes course.
With a big screen to watch the ospreys' nest on Bassenthwaite during the Spring and red squirrels all year round there are plenty of wild life spotting opportunities and there is an adventure playground for the kids too.