Viewed from the A590 - the busy road that winds around the southern edge of the Lake District - Whitbarrow's towering limestone crags give it a dramatic appearance. For walkers, numerous longer variations are possible but this short loop passes through wildlife-rich deciduous woodland and across the scrubby grassland that makes up the summit plateau. For those on a long drive across the South Lakes, this is an excellent place to stop for an hour or two.
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Height Profile
metres / Distance
miles
Detailed description
1
SD4368185957 From the parking spot, follow the obvious path towards Whitbarrow. The big limestone crag straight ahead is Chapel Head Scar, home to a number of classic climbing routes. After passing a football pitch, follow the footpath to the left to enter the ancient woodland.
2
SD4396886265 Ascend quite steeply through the woodland, then past young birch trees already showing the early signs of being ravaged by high winds, to emerge on to the picturesque, scrubby crest known as Flodder Allotment. Patches of scree and limestone pavement give this hilltop real character. The summit itself, Lord's Seat, is marked by a robust cairn and affords sweeping views of the Lake District and Morecambe Bay.
3
SD4410286997 Head north-east along the obvious path, then take the left fork to walk among trees to the corner of the wall. Now turn left and follow this wall to Bell Rake, where the path descends alongside a scree slope into the woodland. There is a short mine level on the left-hand side part way down.
4
SD4352687649 Turn left on the woodland track and follow this obvious path south, back to the start. High Park Wood is a biodiverse place, with tree species including oak, birch, hazel, yew and Lancastrian whitebeam. Both red and roe deer are often seen here, and in spring and summer keep your eyes peeled for rare butterflies.
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Difficulty: EasyDistance: 3 miles (4.80 km)
Total ascent: 183m
Time: 1 – 2 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start/Finish:Small parking area just off the road at Witherslack Hall, SD436860
Nearest town:
Kendal
Terrain:
Clear path to follow the whole way, although there are numerous trails off to the side so follow the map. The ascent and descent are fairly steep, but short.
Public transport:
The Barrow - Kendal Stagecoach X6 bus stops at Witherslack Road End, a few km to the south.
Weather and Hill Conditions:
mwis: Lake District – Met Office: Lake District Maps:
OS Explorer OL7 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 97 (1:50,000) Directory Listings:
Find more Listings near this route Tourist info:
Grange-over-Sands (015395 34026); Kendal (0153 979 516); Bowness (015394 42895)
Further Routes
by Chris Scaife
- Stoupdale Head and White Combe 28 Sep, 2023
- Keswick to Ambleside, via the Helvellyn range 26 Jul, 2023
- Black Combe 28 Jun, 2023
- High Rigg 29 Mar, 2023
- Reston Scar, Hugill Fell and Black Crag 15 Nov, 2022
- Kentmere Horseshoe from Kendal 29 Sep, 2022
- Lyke Wake Walk 21 Aug, 2022
- Wild Boar Fell and Swarth Fell - a walk on the wild side 14 Jun, 2022
- Hawnby Hill - A Little Yorkshire Gem 1 Feb, 2022
- Kendal Fell, Cunswick Scar, and Scout Scar 20 Dec, 2021