Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
Scout Scar, Underbarrow Road, Kendal, LA8 8HB – Visit Now
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.
Related Guides
Restaurants in Cumbria
Cumbria is far from short of good places to eat – here’s our guide to restaurants to put on your map of the area.
Literary places in Cumbria
If it was good enough for Wordsworth and Wainwright, then Cumbria surely has much to offer the literature lover who strayed off the M6. From Kendal in the south to Carlisle in the north, we sniff out the best bookish shenanigans.
Music Venues in Cumbria
When the sun goes down and you’ve had your fair share of Cumbria’s great outdoors, head to the area’s music venues to catch folk and jazz sessions, as well as regular performances by touring musicians. We recommend some of our favourites.
Theatres in Cumbria
For striking performances in the truly beautiful setting of the Lake District – check out our pick of theatres in Cumbria.
Museums in Cumbria
Cumbria is studded with fantastic museums – read our picks of the best here.
Adventure Activities in the North
Our guide to the very best adventure activities in the North of England, taking in abseiling, water skiing and everything in between.
Places to go / stay / shop / eat / drink
Things to do right now
Powered by
