Raise your eyes to the hills

10:40am Friday 29th August 2008

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With its one narrow access road, the Kentmere valley remains unspoilt. It has distinct paths and deciduous woodland with some Scots pine. It has superb outcrops, huge boulders and many small streams, which you cross on well-worn stone slabs. The view of the mountains as you move into the valley is spectacular, but this walk does not seek to reach the heights but provides a delightful low-level walk, which is comparatively dry underfoot and is generally sheltered during windy weather.

Just before you return, ahead of you lies Kentmere reservoir, extensive, high and remote. It is up on the slopes, above the tarn, that the River Kent rises and journeys through the Kentmere valley and on to pass through Kendal.

Park in one of the few spaces by the phone box, south of St Cuthbert’s Church, and by the village hall, grid ref 456041. These spaces soon fill up so walkers need to get there early. Maybe the Kentmere Rambler 519 might be in service and this ‘park and ride’ does reduce vehicle pressure on the lovely hamlet. For information telephone Traveline 0871-200-2233. Or perhaps the farmer has opened up a field for parking, which he does occasionally, but after all the rain we have had, this is doubtful.

1/ Cross the road from the parking area and take the signposted track to the left of the church. A few steps along, go through a small gate in the wall, on to a tarmacked road. Turn left and walk on where the way soon becomes a track and runs past a farm and some dwellings. After a short stroll the track swings right and descends to pass another farm. Ignore the track to the right, and wind round in front of the farm to stride a pleasing walled way. Fifty yards before the next gate out into pastures, take an unsigned easy-to-miss gap stile through the wall, on the right, and walk ahead to cross the River Kent on a footbridge.

2/ Climb the left of two slightly reinforced tracks to a gap stile on to Low Lane and turn left to walk for half-a-mile along another fine walled track. Cross a clapper-bridge and wind right with the track and then, quickly leave it left and, keeping the wall to your left, follow a narrower path through a copse and then on over a pasture to eventually reach Overend. Go in front of the dwelling and join the end of a tarmac road. As you progress this rapidly becomes a rough track.

3/ Go on along the gated way, with the steep slopes of Kentmere to the right and formidable Rainsborrow Crag, a flank of Yoke, looming up ahead and to the left. Carry on until the way seems to end at a renovated building. Go through the gate gap on the left, wind round the right side of the building to go through a gate, and walk right. Look here, on the right, to see a huge boulder in the fell wall. Stroll on to climb an easy ladderstile. Go on the distinct way as it weaves round a huge pile of slate waste and comes beside the river, with a first sighting of the dam of the reservoir.

4/ The path narrows and climbs steadily above - and away from - the racing water. As you head on watch for, a short way down on the left, a small plank footbridge over a tributary stream. Descend to cross it and then go on up over rough ground to the railed and gated footbridge across the outflow from the dam. Turn right and walk up the wide reinforced way to stand close to the dam to enjoy the lovely sheet of water almost surrounded by high mountain slopes.

5/ Beyond the reservoir, and high up in Hall Cove, rises the River Kent, which gives its name to the village, to Kendal and once to the Kentmere Tarn, drained in the 19th century for agricultural reasons and leaving just a widening of the river. The reservoir dam was constructed in 1845 to catch the fast flowing waters of the Kent and regulate the supply to mills along the banks of the river. In recent times this water-power has been replaced by other forms of energy. After enjoying the vista, return along the track, pass the footbridge and carry on the easy-to-walk way. Go by another huge slate waste tip below which nestles a small building, both overshadowed by formidable Rainsborrow Crag.

6/ Follow the good track through the rock-stewn rough pasture eventually reaching a planting of oak, and then a stand of fine Scots pine. The latter shield Hartrigg farmhouse from the winds that sometimes sweep down the valley. Beyond the access to the farm, the track becomes tarmacked. It goes on to pass Scales, a small farmhouse with a big barn, and behind it a dramatic waterfall. Follow the road. Ignore the first signposted footpath on the left and, a short way along, take the signposted public path, also on the left. This continues as a wide, buttressed track. If dry, it is a delight. It ends all too soon at the sharp bend on the track taken almost at the beginning of the walk. Go on ahead and remain on the track until you reach the road through the valley. Follow it below the church, which you may wish to visit. Then return to the parking area.

Information

Distance: 5.5 miles Time: 3 hours Terrain: Generally good paths, tracks and a traffic-free narrow road. Expect plenty of puddles and mud after this rainy month.

Maps: OS Explorer OL 7 NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.