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Kendal makes a superb base for those who enjoy walking. Surrounded by beautiful scenery it offers a wide variety of walking experiences. It’s a 5-minute drive into the Lake District National Park and 20 minutes from the Yorkshire Dales. In addition we have Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just a few miles south of town.
We really do have it all....Mountains, Lakes, Rivers, Valleys and the wide open vistas of Morecambe Bay!!
KWF 2022 will be our 5th Walking Festival. Despite both the pandemic and pingdemic of 2021 we attracted approximately 200 walk bookings for our belated August Festival.
In 2022 we are returning to our favoured week-end in May which usually serves us with beautiful spring weather which is the time our local landscapes are at their most picturesque. An added advantage of a May Festival is that we avoid the rush and crush of the Lake District during the peak holiday season.
As Kendal was home to Britain’s most famous walk writer A Wainwright (AW), this year our Festival will feature a number of walks which will give opportunities to bag a few of the 'Wainwrights'.
( Wainwrights are the 214 English peaks (known locally as fells) described in Alfred Wainwright's seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells (1955–66). They all lie within the boundary of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, and all but one (Castle Crag) are over 1,000 feet (304.8 m) in height.)
We are also offering an invitation to join us in 'An Evening with Alfred Wainwright' during which you can learn more about the man himself. As an ‘appetiser’ you might like to search BBC Sounds and listen to Sue Lawley interviewing the man himself on Desert Island Discs many years ago.
Our town also has a lot to offer in itself, whether you’re looking for culture, nature, social history, shopping, eating or drinking. With its bus and train links you don’t even need to use a car.
Our 5th Walking Festival offers an opportunity to explore this wonderful town, with its roots embedded so deeply in the peaceful landscapes that surround it. The festival has something for everyone regardless of his or her walking capabilities. And while you are here, why not stay on a few extra days and visit the nearby castles, gardens, or simply use one of the many published walking guide books to self-guide yourself around our beautiful part of Cumbria.
Walk: A pleasant walk to Orrest Head viewpoint and a guided tour of Holehird Gardens.
For: Adults and children.
Duration: About 4 hours including tour.
Distance / Ascent: 5 miles / 8km, 620ft/200m.
Grading: Easy.
Description: A walk on field paths through quiet hamlets to Orrest Head, where Alfred Wainwright began his love affair with the Lake District mountains. Returning to Holehird for a guided tour of the magnificent hillside gardens. Visit their website HERE.
Meeting Place Option a: Holehird Gardens car park (free parking), Patterdale Road, Windermere, LA23 1NP. See Start Locations.
Meeting Place Option b: Kendal Town Hall for a minibus pickup to the start.
Meeting Time: Friday at 10:00am at Kendal Town Hall, or meet at 10:30am at Holehird Gardens.
Leader / Organisation: Tony Willey / Lakeland Horticultural Society.
Equipment: Walking shoes, waterproofs and a packed lunch - tea and coffee available in the gardens.
Dogs: Sorry, no dogs allowed in the gardens.
Max No People: 14 on minibus, 14 own transport.
Cost Option a: Free + donation to Lakeland Horticultural Society and make your own way to Holehird. Free car parking available at Holehird.
Cost Option b: Free incl. mini bus + donation to Lakeland Horticultural Society.
Walk: A walk to Benson Knott from Kendal.
For: Adults and children.
Duration: 3.5 hours.
Distance / Ascent: 8.miles/13.0km, 1043ft/319m.
Grading: Moderate.
Description: This is the prominent hill to the east of Kendal that stands above the northern edge of the town. The views from the top are superb with the Lakeland fells on one side and the Howgills on the other.
The route initially follows the Rivers Kent and Mint before starting the ascent to Benson Knott. The route cannot properly be described as circular as part of the route along the rivers and around Mealbank village is used for the outward and return journey but walkers will end up back at the Town Hall having followed the banks of the River Mint up one side of the river and back down the other.
Meeting Place: Kendal Rugby Club (£1 parking fee) - see Start Locations.
Meeting Time: Friday at 10:20am for a 10:30am start.
Leader / Organisation: Bryan Robinson / U3A.
Equipment: Stout shoes or boots, warm and waterproof clothing, packed lunch and drink.
Dogs: Yes - if on a lead.
Max No People: 14.
Cost: Free.
Walk: A fine ridge walk with views over the Lakeland Fells, the Howgills, Ingleborough and Morecambe Bay.
For: Adults and children of any age.
Duration: 4 hours including travel.
Distance / Ascent: 5.2miles/8.3km, 1000ft/305m.
Grading: Moderate and care needed in places.
Description: A fine ridge walk with views over the Lakeland Fells, the Howgills, Ingleborough and Morecambe Bay.
A climb through woodland to a long open ridge with limestone pavement.
Return via an excellent viewpoint and Site of Special Scientific Interest with a dramatic rock face.
Meeting Place: Kendal Town Hall for mini bus / Ravens Lodge (see start locations) for self drive walkers.
Meeting Time: Friday at 10:00am for a 10:15am start from the Town Hall / 10:30am at Ravens Lodge.
Leader / Organisation: John Watson / South Lakes Walking Club.
Equipment: Walking boots, packed lunch or snacks, drinks.
Dogs: Yes - on a lead.
Max No People: 14.
Cost: Free.
Walk: Baystones and Wansfell Pike from Shell Garage / Spar Shop, Troutbeck Bridge.
For: Adults.
Duration: 5.5 - 6 hours.
Distance / Ascent: 10mls / 16km, 2000ft/600m.
Grading: Strenuous.
Description: This circular walk starts from the Shell Garage / Spar Shop, Troutbeck Bridge (NY 403 002). We firstly walk to Troutbeck valley and the iconic village, followed by a steep incline to Baystones and on to Wansfell Pike, taking our time to enjoy the amazing views, weather permitting, of Windermere and Rydal Water and numerous other Wainwright Fells such as Loughrigg Fell, Red Screes and the Fells of the Fairfield Horseshoe, before returning to Troutbeck Bridge.
Meeting Place: Kendal Bus Station or the Shell Garage / Spar Shop at Troutbeck Bridge (see start locations).
Meeting Time: Friday at 9:30am at Kendal Bus Station for the 9:40am 555 bus to Troutbeck Bridge, or meet at 10:15am at at the Shell Garage / Spar shop bus stop, Troutbeck Bridge. See Useful Links for the timetable.
(Return buses approximately 30 minutes past the hour at Troutbeck Bridge).
Leader / Organisation: John Ryder / Kendal Ramblers.
Equipment: Adequate footwear is recommended as some areas likely to be wet under foot. Also, waterproofs and an extra layer[s] of clothing recommended to be taken in the backpack. Lunch and drinks.
Dogs: Sorry - no dogs.
Max No People: 12.
Cost: Free. Bus fares to pay.
Walk: From Burneside to Gurnal Dubs and Staveley - a linear walk using the train.
For: A leisurely family walk on grassy paths with a fairly easy uphill stretch (ascent of about 280m).
Duration: 5 hours including an hour at Gurnal Dubs for a circular walk round the tarn and a picnic. Optional stop over on return at cafe in Staveley.
Distance / Ascent: 6miles/10km, 920ft/280m.
Grading: Moderate.
Description: We travel by train to Burneside where we pick up the Dales Way northwards, along a pretty stretch of the River Kent, through flowery meadows. We then climb steadily up and over to Gurnal Dubs for a picnic lunch. On our descent to Staveley there is an optional 1km extension through Craggy Woods (dens and swings for the children).
Meeting Place: Kendal Railway Station.
Meeting Time: Saturday at 9:15am for 9:24am train - buy tickets on the train. The return train leaves at 16:05 and arrives in Kendal at 16:14 (or 15:04 for speedy walkers). There are also buses back to Kendal.
Leader / Organisation: Jane Willis / U3A.
Equipment: Boots, waterproofs, picnic lunch and drinks.
Dogs: Yes - only if well behaved and on lead.
Max No People: 20.
Cost: Free + rail fare. Return fare £3.90 adult, £1.95 child.
Walk: The classic horseshoe walk from Ambleside.
For: Adults.
Duration: 7 to 8 hours excluding travel.
Distance / Ascent: 12 miles/19km, 3700ft/1130m.
Grading: Strenuous - Leaders reserve the right to refuse acceptance on the walk if they have concerns about an individual's fitness to walk.
Description: The Fairfield round is possibly the most famous of all the Lakeland Horseshoe walks and, with its fairly central location, provides some of the best walking and stunning views that the Lake District has to offer.
Starting our walk from Ambleside we will reach the ridge after the initial climb to Low Pike, the first of eight Wainwright summits we will ascend in the day. And from there we will remain on high ground until it’s time to return to the valley over our final summit, Nab Scar.
Meeting Place: Kendal Bus Station or Ambleside Bus Station.
Meeting Time: Saturday at 7:45am for the 8:00am 555 bus to Ambleside. Or meet at Ambleside Bus Station (Kelsick Road) at 8:30am.
Leader / Organisation: Bryan Hardaker / Kendal Fellwalkers.
Equipment: Sturdy walking boots, full waterproofs (top and overtrousers), warm clothing (including hat and gloves), food and drink sufficient for a day out on the hills.
Dogs: Sorry - no dogs allowed on this walk.
Max No People: 14.
Cost: Free but bus fares to pay.
Walk: A Kendal Circuit. Participants can choose to be sponsored for the Mayor of Kendal's Charities - The Well Communities or Kendal & Christians Against Poverty. You can download a sponsorship form by clicking HERE.
For: Adults, Families.
Duration: 3.5 hours approx.
Distance / Ascent: 5 miles/8 km. Minimal ascents to the edges of town.
Grading: Easy.
Description: A walk around Wainwright's town including two castles, a 13th century Parish Church regarded as one of the UK's "Great Churches", and a woodland favoured by the locals for their Sunday afternoon walks during Victorian times all completely within the confines of the Kendal town boundary. The route, affording wonderful views over the town and the Kent valley it lies within and beyond to the Lake District fells, will include parks, and stretches of the riverside and the path along the "Black and White Canal". We can even pass by Mrs Goggin's Post Office from Postman Pat's days although she has long since retired. Other places of interest in the town such as Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Museum and the Friends Meeting House, where you can see the famous Quaker Tapestry, will be signposted for those wanting to visit later during their stay in Kendal.
Meeting Place: Outside the Highgate Hotel (Home of the Well Community), Highgate, Kendal. To be greeted by the Mayor of Kendal who, hopefully, will be walking with one of the groups.
Meeting Time: Saturday at 10:30 am.
Leader / Organisation: Andy Blackman, Kendal Town Council and Members of the Well Community, Kendal.
Equipment: Strong shoes, snack, water.
Dogs: Well behaved, with a supply of poop bags!
Max No People: 24. Depending on numbers, small groups will set off at intervals, each group led and accompanied by 3 members of the Well Communities.
Cost: Free. It would be helpful if participants who choose to be sponsored could collect their sponsorship in advance of the walk and bring whatever funds they have raised to be handed in at the start.
Town Heritage Talk - A visit to the Mayor's Parlour
Date: Saturday 7th May
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Venue: Mayors Parlour, Kendal Town Hall
Who: The Mayor and Mayor's attendant
Cost: Free - 1st come 1st served!
Max. places: 20
Description: A rare opportunity to visit the Mayor of Kendal's parlour in the Town Hall and learn a little about the history of Kendal and how it resonates through the town to this day. Discover how the role of its Mayor has evolved since the first Alderman in 1575. There will also be the opportunity to view and handle some of Kendal's historic artefacts, including the Sovereign Sword, the town's two Maces, Queen Katherine Parr's Book of Devotions and the original Town Charters.
There will only be room for the first 20 that turn up.
Walk: The Yards of Kendal.
For: Adults and children.
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours. This walk should finish in time to allow you to join the Scout Scar Sunset Walk at 7:30. If it is running late you can leave this walk in order to join the Scout Scar Sunset Walk.
Distance / Ascent: N/A.
Grading: Easy.
Description: The Yards of Kendal are one of the town's most distinctive features. They are a characteristic portrayal of parts of Kendal's unique history. In days gone by they were a series of thriving little communities lined with cottages and workshops. With the march of progress and the wholesale destruction during the slum clearances of the 1960s, their number has been drastically reduced to become little more than a tourist attraction. Having said that, there is still life in the Yards and they deserve more than a superficial inspection. This walk will take you down some of the more picturesque ones revealing their history.
Meeting Place: The Town Hall.
Meeting Time: Saturday at 5:45pm.
Leader / Organisation: Trevor Hughes / Kendal Civic Society.
Equipment: Clothing appropriate to the weather conditions.
Dogs: Yes - if on lead.
Max No People: 25-30.
Cost: Free. Please consider donating to the Civic Society on the day.
Walk: A Circular walk from Kendal to Scout Scar aimed at "Sunset Gazers".
For: Adults and Children accompanied by a responsible adult.
Duration: Approx. 3 Hours.
Distance / Ascent: 6 miles/10 km, 800ft/243m.
Grading: Moderate.
Description: This is a circular walk aimed at "Sunset Gazers". This walk from the centre of Kendal takes us through the site of the original castle and then up onto the dramatic landscape feature of Scout Scar with its stunning westerly views of the Kent Estuary. Hopefully the weather will afford us the opportunity to watch the sun as it sets over the Lake District Fells. The walk then returns to Kendal over Cunswick Fell and might also offer some 'dark skies' stargazing opportunities!
Meeting Place: Kendal Town Hall.
Meeting Time: Saturday at 7:30pm.
Leader / Organisation: John Edmondson.
Equipment: Walking boots, waterproofs, drink and a good torch.
Dogs: Sorry no dogs are allowed on this walk.
Max No People: 20.
Cost: Free.
Event: Pint at the New Union
For: All walkers
Description: An opportunity for KWF participants to meet and talk all things walking (or otherwise!). You never know - some of the walk leaders may turn up!
Meeting Place: The New Union, 159 Stricklandgate, LA9 4RF.
Meeting Time: Early evening 'till as late as you are allowed!
Walk: Kendal Castle.
For: Adults and Families.
Duration: Approx. 1 hour.
Distance / Ascent: 2 miles and gentle ascent.
Grading: Easy.
Description: A friendly and sociable stroll with some ascent yet still suitable for a range of abilities, this walk will take approximately an hour winding through the town and venturing up towards Kendal Castle with opportunities to pause along the way. This route is one of the regular monthly ‘Walks and Wags’ health walks supported by the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks programme here in Cumbria which focuses upon exploring the many green spaces dotted around the wondrous town of Kendal. This a great opportunity to meet others and to gradually increase your fitness levels either with or without a four-legged friend. For more information regarding our regular walks visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/cumbria-walking-for-health
Meeting Place: Outside Kendal Library (see Start Locations).
Meeting Time: Sunday at 10:00am.
Leader / Organisation: Anne Whitcombe, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, Cumbria.
Equipment: Comfortable shoes, water.
Dogs: Well behaved with a supply of poop bags.
Max No People: 15.
Cost: Free.
Walk: Arnside Knott.
For: Adults.
Duration: Approx. 4 hours.
Distance / Ascent: 6 miles/9.7km, 750ft/229m.
Grading: Moderate.
Description: A part coastal walk from the attractive village of Arnside with an ascent of Arnside Knott. Enjoy, subject to weather conditions, the panoramic views towards Morecambe Bay, the Lakeland Fells and Kent Estuary.
Meeting Place: Kendal Town Hall for mini bus or make your own way to Arnside Pier (see Start Locations).
Meeting Time: Sunday at 10:00am at the Town Hall for the mini bus or 10:30am at Arnside Pier.
Leader / Organisation: John Ryder / South Lakes Walking Club.
Equipment: Appropriate footwear and clothing with lunch, snacks and adequate drinks/water.
Dogs: Sorry no dogs.
Max No People: 14.
Cost: Free - including mini bus.
Walk: Circular walk to hills and places of interest around Kendal.
For: Adults.
Duration: Approx. 8 hours.
Distance / Ascent: 16 miles/26km, 2000ft/610m.
Grading: Strenuous.
Description: The walk goes from Kendal to Cunswick Scar, Scout Scar, Helsington Church, Sizergh Castle, River Kent, the Disused Canal, the Helm and Kendal Castle.
Meeting Place: Kendal Town Hall.
Meeting Time: Sunday at 09:15am.
Leader / Organisation: Nig Markham / David Bullas.
Equipment: Appropriate footwear and clothing with lunch, snacks and adequate drinks / water. Refreshments are usually available at Sizergh Castle and Sizergh Barn Shop.
Dogs: Sorry no dogs.
Max No People: 12 + leaders.
Cost: Free.
Walk: The River Kent to Helsington Church and Sizergh Castle.
For: Adults and Children able to walk the distance.
Duration: 4.5 hours.
Distance / Ascent: 8 miles/13km, 600ft/180m.
Grading: Easy / Moderate.
Description: Starting from Kendal College the walk heads south along the banks of the River Kent, before turning westwards to Sizergh Castle and Helsington Church. From there the walk heads across to Helsington Laithes and on to finish back in Kendal. National Trust members (and others on payment of the entrance fee!!) may wish to terminate their walk at Sizergh (approximatly half way) to spend time viewing the castle. They will then need to catch the 15:06 bus to Kendal from the bus stop 1 mile away on the A590 (directions will be provided).
Refreshments are available in the National Trust Cafe!
Meeting Place: Kendal College, Milnthorpe Road.
Meeting Time: Sunday at 9:50am for a 10:00am start.
Leader / Organisation: Trish Winterbottam.
Equipment: Suitable clothing, footwear, packed lunch.
Dogs: No.
Max No People: 12.
Cost: Free.
Walk: This walk based on the "Walking Trails" leaflet will take you around the town centre and highlight the many varied and interesting aspects of the town's history.
For: Adults and children
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Distance / Ascent: N/A
Grading: Easy
Description: This walk based on the "Walking Trails" leaflet will take you around the town centre and highlight the many varied and interesting aspects of the town's history. Kendal has a long recorded history dating from Roman times and over the centuries the town has grown into the much loved market town it is today. The walk will highlight many of the fascinating hidden gems and stories within the town and explain their importance as to how the town developed.
Meeting Place: Outside the front of Kendal Town Hall.
Meeting Time: Sunday at 6:30pm - 8:30pm.
Leader / Organisation: Kendal Civic Society.
Equipment: Clothing appropriate to the weather.
Dogs: Yes - On a lead.
Max No People: 25-30
Cost: Free - no need to book - just turn up. Please consider a donation to Kendal Civic Society.
Walk: A visit to two "Wainwrights" and the viewpoint where Wainwright began his love affair with the Lake District Mountains.
For: Adults.
Duration: About 6-7 hours.
Distance / Ascent: 10 miles/16km, 2300ft/700m.
Grading: Moderate / Strenuous.
Description: A steady climb by field and track from Windermere takes us to the ridge of Sour Howes and Sallows, where we should be rewarded with fine views of the high fells. We return by the Garburn Pass to visit another excellent viewpoint on Orrest Head.
Meeting Place: Kendal Bus Station.
Meeting Time: Monday at 9:30am for the 9:40am 555 bus, or meet at 10:10am at Windermere Bus Station.
Leader / Organisation: Bryan Hardaker.
Equipment: Walking boots and waterproofs. Packed lunches and drinks.
Dogs: No - too many sheep / stiles.
Max No People: 20.
Cost: Free but bus fares to be paid.
Walk: The Helm.
For: All.
Duration: 2 hours.
Distance / Ascent: 2 miles / 400 ft.
Grading: Easy. No stiles. The gentler gradients will be used.
Description: Probably missing from Wainwright's "Outlying Fells of Lakeland" only because it is outside the National Park boundary the Helm provides a superb, easily accessible 360 degree panorama of the South Lakes and Kendal (weather permitting!). Possibly an ideal short excursion at the end of the Festival before a long journey home.
Meeting Place: Burton Road, Oxenholme. (Loop of old road on western side of A65, 200yds south of the Texaco garage. Postcode LA9 7ER. Grid Ref: SD 527891. Parking space available or take 41/41A bus from opposite the bus station to Oxenholme (alight at the junction of Burton Road and Helmside Road).
Meeting Time: Monday at 10:45am.
Leader / Organisation: Bob Wells / U3A.
Equipment: Substantial shoes and waterproofs if wet.
Dogs: Yes but they are likely to encounter other dogs off the lead. This is favourite dog walking country.
Max No People: 20.
Cost: Free.
Walk: The Hills east of Staveley.
For: Adults and children.
Duration: 3 hours.
Distance / Ascent: 6.5miles/10.5km, 1000ft/305m.
Grading: Moderate.
Description: The walk ascends to above Plantation Bridge, descends to a pretty stretch of the River Kent at Cowan Head and then explores the hilly countryside to the east of Staveley.
Meeting Place: Staveley Mill Yard (see start locations). The 555 service departs Kendal Bus Station at 9:40am.
Meeting Time: Monday at 10:00am.
Leader / Organisation: John Edmondson.
Equipment: Stout shoes or boots, warm and waterproof clothing, packed lunch and drink.
Dogs: Yes - if on a lead.
Max No People: 25-30.
Cost: Free.
Walk: England's third highest and, arguably, most popular mountain.
For: Adults.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours excluding travel.
Distance / Ascent: 8 miles/13km, 3200ft/975m.
Grading: Strenuous - Leaders reserve the right to refuse acceptance on the walk if they have concerns about an individual's ability to complete it.
Description: The walk starts just north of Grasmere and climbs steadily to Grisedale Tarn. From there we ascend more steeply onto Dollywagon Pike, then we follow the ridge path over Nethermost Pike to the summit of Helvellyn (3117ft / 950m). Optionally, and depending on the weather on the day, we will make the short detours from the ridge path to visit the summits of Dollywagon and Nethermost Pikes (2815ft / 858m and 2923ft / 891m respectively). We then retrace our steps to the col between Helvellyn and Nethermost Pike, from where we descend, steeply in places, to Wythburn Church above Thirlmere where the walk ends.
We will have a short (c15 minutes) stop for refreshments on the ascent, and a longer stop for lunch, hopefully on the summit of Helvellyn but that depends on the weather.
Meeting Place: Kendal Town Hall for minibus, or Mill Bridge, Grasmere for self drive walkers.
PLEASE NOTE - there is no parking at Mill Bridge and as this is a linear walk, if you self drive, you will have to make your own way back to the start of the walk by foot or 555 bus (about 3 miles along the road).
Meeting Time: Saturday at 8:30am at the Town Hall for an 8:45am minibus departure. 9:30am at the junction just north of Mill Bridge, Grasmere.
Leader / Organisation: Richard Moore / SLU3A Tuesday Walkers.
Equipment: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs (jacket and overtrousers), warm clothing including hat and gloves, adequate food and drink.
Dogs: Sorry - no dogs allowed on this walk.
Max No People: 14.
Cost: Free including minibus.
All walks will again be free in 2022 but if you appreciate the walk a donation would be welcome - the walk leaders will collect donations at the end of the walk.
The donations will go towards the funding of the festival.
