Walks from Kendal

Longer circular through Kendal and along the River Kent, past the 12th-century castle ruins, the line of the old Lancaster Canal and a riverside walk.

Kendal Castle: The ruins of a twelfth-century castle overlooking the town of Kendal.

Time: 4h

Walk details: Community Rail Cumbria (PDF).

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.

Time: 5h–10h

1 lunch spot: the Sun Inn

Warnings: 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.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

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.

Waterway: two thirds along the River Kent.

Time: 2h30–4h30

Warnings: 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.

Walk details: Slow Ways.