The Lovely Lake District from Kendal

SUMMARY

Dates: Thursday June 27th to Monday July 1st – 4 nights with 5 walks

Guide:Bridget Turnbull

Walking Grade: 2 Goats

Base :The Riverside Hotel, a family owned converted 18th century tannery, is situated on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal beneath the ruins of the town’s 12th century castle. A short walk away is the centre of this famous market town with its bustling shops, galleries and museums.

We chose this hotel for its location on the river and easy access to walks and to meander around the town. At the end of the day you can ease your aching limbs in the spa. The spa includes:

• a small heated swimming pool
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Hot tub
• Gymnasium and Exercise studio

Directions to the hotel: Sat Nav: If using Google Maps or Sat Nav please enter LA9 6FS as the destination postcode – this should bring you directly to the front door. You will find the covered car park a further 30 yards down the road on the left, the barrier will lift automatically upon approach.

The hotel is within easy walking distance of Kendal railway station.

Arrival : For check in at 15.00  to settle in and have a short walk at 17.00 with your guide to familiarise yourself with the town before dinner at the hotel.

Departure: This is after a morning walk on Monday finishing around 14.00. Plan travel for after 14.00.

Price: £1,125 the price is for solo occupancy and inclusive of all meals and all travel required for walking. If you bring a friend and are sharing there is a discount of £125 and the price is £1,000 pp

What is included:

• Ensuite Room (No single supplement)
• Bed and Breakfast, Dinners at the hotel on 3 nights, 1 night at a local restaurant
• Packed lunches on 3 days ( you have walks with lunch on 3 days but on 2 days lunch is not required)
• Local travel required for walks
• Specialist guided walks
• Access to spa facilities

Not included:

• Travel to Kendal
• Drinks at the bar or additional drinks during the day

DETAILS

Based in the historic market town of Kendal, we explore the surrounding limestone area using lesser walked paths in the Lake District National Park. Our walks are varied from fells to woodland, limestone escarpments to rivers. This is a great time for wildflowers. Although the uphill climbs are moderate, the walks are designed to give you fantastic views of mountains and open wild country.

The Riverside Hotel is located on the banks of the River Kent, close to train and bus stations. We aim to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible on this holiday so either walk direct out of the hotel door or take the local buses.

Kendal has a wealth of independent shops and its “yards” make for interesting exploration in the evening.

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ITINERARY

Itinerary – this may change subject to weather and at the discretion of the guide. The following itinerary gives you an idea of the walks and what distances you can expect.

Walk 1

17.00 An introductory late afternoon walk around the historic market town of Kendal and its castle to stretch your legs and get to know your fellow guests.

Walk 2 – 10 ½ miles (16.6 kms) 926ft (282m) total ascent

Setting out from the hotel door we wander over the limestone escarpment of Scout Scar which gives great views out over Kendal and the surrounding area. We drop down to Sizeargh Castle (National Trust) for our picnic and return to Kendal along the banks of the River Kent passed a Roman fort.

Walk 3 – 7.5 miles ( 12kms) 1148ft (350m) total ascent.

Today we visit Grasmere a beautiful village in the heart of the Lake District. A lovely place to wander around and buy any local products or souvenirs. There is gingerbread made here using the same receipe used for over 100 years. A place steeped in tradition! We walk from here along an ancient coffin trail to Rydal,where the poet William Wordsworth lived. Our walk takes us to Rydal Cave and around two lakes, Rydal Water and Grasmere,where we get far fetching views of the higher Lakeland fells.

We return by local bus.

Walk 4 – 9 miles (14.5kms) 983ft (300m) total ascent
Taking the local bus we walk from Ings across lower fell sides up the Kentmere valley with its horseshoe of mountains surrounding us. It’s here that the River Kent starts and our return from the head of the valley follows it down to Staveley for a welcome cuppa before returning to Kendal on the bus.

Day 5 – 6 1/2 miles (10 kms) 1100ft (335m) total ascent
Walking from the hotel we say our farewells to this beautiful and varied landscape from the top of Cunswicke Scar. We then drop down through ancient woodland and tracks before returning to Kendal by 2pm.