The Lovely Lake District from Kendal

SUMMARY

Dates:Thursday June 29th to Monday July 3rd 4 nights/5 days 

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. During this weekend there is a national street choir festival so there will be choirs singing all over the town.

We chose this hotel for its location on the river and easy access to walks. 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 walking distance of Kendal railway station.

Arrivals : 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.

Departures: is after a morning walk on Monday finishing around 2pm. Plan travel for after 14.00

Price: £855 – the price is for solo occupancy. If you bring a friend and are sharing there is a discount of £100 per person to £755 per person.

What is included:

• Ensuite accommodation
• All breakfasts and dinners in the hotel
• Packed lunches on 3 walking days
• Local travel required for walks
• Guided walks
• Access to spa facilities

Not included:

• Travel to Kendal
• Drinks at the bar or additional drinks during the day
• Anything not mentioned above

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. The annual Street Choirs Festival will be hosted in Kendal over the weekend so the town will be filled with the sound of choirs singing a capella on street corners.

ITINERARY

Itinerary – this may change subject to weather and at the discretion of the guide 

Walk 1
17.00 An introductory 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 – 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.

Walk 4 – 9 miles (14.5 kms) 1340 ft (408m) total ascent
Toady we climb Whitbrrow Scar, a limestone escarpment to the west of Kendal and a National Nature Reserve famous for its wildflowers including orchids. As we walk along its ridge we get panoramic views of the central Lake District, Morecambe Bay and the Yorkshire Dales. Return through woodland. Travel by local 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.