Best walks from Kendal

Windermere Station to Kendal Station

an absolute joy. A great rural route of two halves: a fantastic upland off-road stretch using footpaths, grassy tracks, rough rocky bridleways and field paths (the joyful Dales Way section) as far as Crook, then more roads and tracks to Kendal. Grassy tracks can be muddy, there are stiles, gates and fords and rough terrain throughout. The terrain undulates over fells with great views. Follows the Dales Way for a long stretch. Notices explain about tree-planting and grazing by belted Galloway cattle. Crosses Cunswick Fell and Kendal Fell with great views of the Lake District fells.

Tough: steep ascents. 17km.

Foot-only due to many stiles, gates and rough terrain; a railway level crossing uses a light system; crossing the often-busy A591 dual carriageway means judging gaps in traffic (a nearby road bridge can be used instead). Navigation over the little hill of Grandsire and the fields from Low Crag needs care. The route through Kendal's shopping centre is only passable during trading hours.

Lunch stop: the Sun Inn.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Staveley Station to Kendal Station

very nice views especially on the Dales Way; the beautiful Lakeland mountains in the background. A lovely riverside route on good paths, following the Dales Way along the River Kent, with a field path and a section parallel to the railway. Relatively flat and easy and though there are some stiles and steps. Follows the Dales Way along the River Kent; good bus links to central Kendal from the housing estate.

9km.

The marked route on the outskirts of Kendal is overgrown with an out-of-action stile; cross the railway bridge and go through the housing estate instead.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route