Sizergh/Scout Scar Walk.Tuesday 16th April 2024

Walk Leader- Shirley Bradshaw

Number on Walk- 15

Mileage- 12 mls.

Weather- Beautiful.

First of all thanks to everyone for coming and apologies for the extra distance due to circumstances beyond my control.

We were a little late setting off as some people got caught in motorway holdups.

However,on a surprisingly nice day a group of happy chatting walkers set off from the car park and up towards Sizergh Fell using public footpaths and paths on the Sizergh estate.We passed over Sizergh Fell with good views of the castle.we then carried on through to Helsington church where a short stop for  drinks and time to admire the view was  taken.

From Helsington we made our way on to Scout Scar where it was a little more chilly.We walked up the edge of the scar looking down into the valley below and also out to a great panorama of the Lakes hills.

We carried on up to the Mushroom(view point) where we all managed to get a seat to have lunch.We were met by Stan who has saved a seat and took some photos.Rain threatened but just missed us.

Refreshed we set off down towards the old racecouse above Kendal,then a short road section and into the fields at Lane Head and followed the track down to the busy A591 at at Helsington Laithes.

Once a kindly van driver had stopped to let us cross we made our way through Scroggs Wood to turn left through a soggy field and along the bank of the river Kent which we followed to Hawes Bridge(the wettest part of the walk underfoot).At Hawes Bridge we changed to the left bank and through the woods where there were  lovely wood anemones and bluebells,we followed this back to Sedgwick where the suspension bridge was closed due to storm damage so we had to walk round the road which is quite a detour.Once back at the other side of the bridge we saw some of the remains of the new Gunpowder works(1857-1935).We carried on through the campsite(with permission)and saw some more of the old buildings and spots where there had bee waterwheels.We passed up through the site which is in Low Park Wood and followed the path to Low Sizergh Barn farm shop.When we got there the pace quickened as some members could sense the Strickland Arms calling!

The chatting never seemed to stop from start to finish.

Everyone happy to be out on such a lovely day after all the rain we’d had.About a dozen of us ended up sat in the beer garden of the pub with teas/coffees and some with something stronger.All in all a great day out.

P.S As we were leaving on Thursday a couple of guys were working on the bridge.(a little too late for us)