Scout Scar

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Scout Scar
Bryan Pready

Scout Scar is an amazing 771ft tall hill, with an awe-inspiring cliff-edge and views all around the county. Featured in Alfred Wainwright’s series of classic mountaineering and rambling books, the Scar makes an ideal target for walkers with stronger stamina based in Kendal. Nearby is the village of Underbarrow for provisions.

For those starting from Scout Scar itself, it’s possible to take a short circular walk that offers a visual panorama across the Lakeland Fells on Scout Scar near Kendal. Simply pass up the path from the nearby car park and you’ll find yourself at the top of the scar, where there’s a ‘viewing mushroom’ containing an identifier so that you can pick out the other peaks in the distance. The path comes back round to the car park. Heading south from the Scar gets you to the Barrowfield woods.

The scar is a few miles due west of Kendal and its base can be reached by car. Continuing westerly – and if you’re in the lake district already, why wouldn’t you – will eventually bring you to the awe-inspiring Lake Windermere, a world-renowned site of natural beauty that must be seen to be believed.

On the east bank lies Bowness on Windermere, a picturesque town with plenty of options for food and drink on your way, and continuing north and over the water you’ll find Wray Castle, which is a National Trust property and a fascinating example of Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture. From this point you might circle back to Kendal, or you can attempt the mighty Claife Heights mountain peak.

Meanwhile, continuing south from Scout Scar will eventually bring you to Sizergh Castle, another beautifully preserved manor house, the earliest parts of which date from the fourteenth or fifteenth century.

Whether you’re using Scout Scar as a short trip or as a springboard to the rest of the lakes, the ridge makes an impressive chapter in your journey.

Underbarrow RoadKendalLA8 8HB View map
Visit Now

What's on near Scout Scar

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00
Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
Until
ComedyManchester
Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

free entry

Where to go near Scout Scar

Bailey's
Blackpool
Restaurant
Bailey’s Cheese & Charcuterie

Serving exceptional meats, cheeses and wines from all over the world, Bailey’s Cheese & Charcuterie offers a laid-back, sophisticated experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Blackpool.

The Buccaneer
Blackpool
Restaurant
The Buccaneer

Set in Coral Island, The Buccaneer isn’t just family-friendly, it’s above above-and-beyond family-friendly, thanks to the very generous kids eat free offer.

Coral Island Sign
Blackpool
Coral Island

When you think of Blackpool, Coral Island is the type of place that takes front and centre: big, bold and flat-out fun.

Bar and pub 2
Liverpool
Restaurant
Hobo Kiosk

Hobo Kiosk is an independent pub in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, celebrating all things bohemian with its décor, drinks and events.

Doric Hotel Blackpool
Blackpool
Hotel
Doric Hotel

Previously ranked TripAdvisor’s number 1 family hotel in the UK, Blackpool’s bright and airy Doric Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea.

Cliffs Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Cliffs Hotel

A hit with families seeking the all-inclusive treatment, this Baroque-style hotel on the north shore is one of Blackpool’s oldest and most popular.

King's Boutique Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
King’s Boutique Hotel

Set in a Victorian townhouse, Blackpool’s King’s Boutique Hotel is within walking distance of Blackpool’s main attractions, but not so close that you won’t get a decent night’s sleep.

Boulevard Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Boulevard Hotel

With its own signature restaurant, two bars and a sleek lounge, this award-winning hotel on New South Promenade offers visitors to Blackpool luxury in spades.

The Big Blue Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Big Blue Hotel

At The Big Blue Hotel, guests have some of the UK’s most exciting rides right on their doorstep – and can even get free Blackpool Pleasure Beach day tickets.

The Lawton Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Lawton

Thanks to its lime green-painted brick frontage, this family-friendly guest house certainly stands out from the crowd in Blackpool.

The Ruskin Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Ruskin

Sitting in the shadow of the town’s famous Blackpool Tower, this established three star hotel is popular for its handy location and family-friendly pricing.

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.