The stunning Lakeland town of Kendal is set to welcome walkers from all over the UK and beyond for the 6th annual Kendal Walking Festival.
Taking place from 5th to 9th May, the festival is an opportunity for experienced and novice walkers alike to discover the beauty and history of the area, as well as the friendly atmosphere of the town. With over twenty walks to choose from, ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes, the festival has something for everyone. From guided walks around the town’s picturesque castle to a challenging mountain ascent, there’s something for all ages and abilities. In addition to the organised walks, there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as interactive talks, outdoor activities and live music. With so much to do, the Kendal Walking Festival is the perfect way to explore the area and experience the beauty and history of the Lake District.
1. Orrest Head and Holehird Gardens
Wainwright’s Inspiration – An easy walk of about 5 miles with 600 ft of ascent.
2. Sallows, Sour Howes and Orrest Head
A Wainwright Walk – a moderate / severe walk of about 5 hours from Windermere to visit two Wainwrights.
3. Benson Knott
A moderate walk of 8.0 miles and 1040 ft of ascent.
A moderate ridge walk of 5.2 miles with views over the Lakeland Fells, the Howgills, Ingleborough and Morecambe Bay.
5. Baystones and Wansfell Pike
A Wainwright Walk – A strenuous circular walk of 10 miles from Troutbeck Bridge taking in Baystones and Wansfell Pike.
ANP1 – Forest Bathing – Mike’s Wood, Staveley
Discover how the magic of woods can bring you health and happiness on a forest bathing adventure.
Saturday 6th May (Coronation Day)
6. Glencoyne Head and Aira Force
A strenuous walk of 7.5 miles circling the Glencoyne Valley.
Sunday 7th May
7. Burneside, Gurnal Dubs and Staveley
A moderate walk of 6 miles including an hour at Gurnal Dubs for a circular walk round the tarn and a picnic.
The Mayor’s Charity Walk – Our town’s green and historic places. An easy walk of about 5 miles.
9. Helvellyn
A Wainwright Walk – England’s third highest and, arguably, most popular mountain.
10. Cunswick Scar and Scout Scar
A strenuous walk of 12.5 miles visiting magnificent limestone escarpments.
Blue Space mindfulness – Easdale Tarn, Grasmere
Wellbeing walk 1 – Burneside and back
A women only easy circular walk to Burneside and back using footpaths.
Evening Events:
An easy 2 hour stroll around Kendal.
A circular walk from Kendal to Scout Scar aimed at “Sunset Gazers”.
A opportunity for Festival walkers to gather and socialise. No need to book – just turn up!
Monday 8th May
A Wainwright Walk – The classic horseshoe walk from Ambleside. A strenuous 8 hour outing.
15. Arnside Knott
A moderate walk of 6 miles taking the coastal path from the village of Arnside to an ascent of Arnside Knott.
16. Helsington and Sizergh Castle
An easy / moderate walk of about 4 hours along the River Kent to Helsington Church and Sizergh Castle.
ANP3 – Forest Bathing – Mike’s Wood, Staveley
Discover how the magic of woods can bring you health and happiness on a forest bathing adventure.
Wellbeing walk 2 – Kentmere lower loop
A walk for women only – a lovely loop along the Kentmere Valley then up onto the top near Green Quarter.
Evening Event:
17. Historical Walk around Kendal
An easy 2 hour walk based on the “Walking Trails” leaflet. No need to book – just turn up.
Tuesday 9th May
18. The Helm
A easy 2 mile walk. The Helm provides a superb, easily accessible 360 degree panorama of the South Lakes and Kendal.
20. A 10 mile linear walk from Cowgill to Sedbergh beside the River Dee, with an option to do a shorter 5 mile stretch if required.
Evening Event:
ANP4 – Dusk to Dark Skies walk – Orton Scar, Orton
21. A 2 hour thrilling dusk to dark skies walk.
