Along the limestone of Cunswick Scar
Recommended by
Our view
"The freedom of the heights, extensive views and varied flora, fauna and fossils make this an intriguing and liberating outing."
Walk directions
Walk away from the road, cross the sloping limestone bed that forms the car park and take the track with the barrier across it that leads to the radio mast. Follow the narrow path through the trees. Leave the woods by a kissing gate at the junction of the stone walls by a footpath sign for Cunswick Fell. Enter the field and continue beside the stone wall on the left. On reaching the corner of the field go right and follow the path parallel to the wall. Continue over the humpback of the field and drop to pass a gate, beyond which the wall turns a sharp corner.
Continue ahead on a grassy path for 30yds (27m), then follow it round to the left, aiming for a lone fingerpost. Ignore the right turn here, staying with the track over the brow and down to a gate in a fence. Go through the gate and follow the wall on the right as it descends to a dip. Keep straight ahead as the wall bends right beyond the dip. On drawing level with a stile in the wall, turn left on a more prominent track. Follow this to the top of the hill, where you’ll find the summit cairn of Cunswick Scar, a commanding viewpoint.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Paths and tracks, can be muddy – take care as edge of scar is unguarded in places
Landscape
- Fields and open fell along high limestone shoulder
Dog friendliness
- Fellside grazed by sheep, dogs must be under control
Parking
- Beneath radio mast near top of hill (Cunswick car park not the Scout Scar car park)
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
At the southwestern boundary of the Lake District National Park, Cunswick Scar is a high shoulder of white Carboniferous limestone running from north to south. Its southern end links with Scout Scar, although a geological fault, taken by the high Underbarrow Road, has displaced the whole of Scout...
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Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Cumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes', but other lesser-known areas in the south, such as the Lune Valley and the coastal towns, are secret gems of wide cobbled streets and rolling hills.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Riverside Hotel
Covering five floors in a converted 18th-century tannery by the River Kent, Riverside Hotel is close to the 12th-century Kendal Castle, and the town centre. Facilities include a fully-e...
The Punch Bowl Inn & Restaurant
Located in the stunning Lyth Valley alongside the village church and within easy reach of many walks, this historic Inn dates back to 1829, when it was also used as a blacksmith's shop....
The Glen Guest House
The Glen is a friendly, family-run bed and breakfast with an outstanding reputation for warm and friendly service, comfortable accommodation and freshly cooked breakfasts using quality ...
Eagle and Child Inn
With a charming riverside beer garden, the Eagle and Child bed and breakfast inn is a few minutes away from the scenic Kentmere Valley. And it’s not much more to the bustling towns of B...
Birslack Cottage
In the sleepy village of Levens, this romantic cottage with private garden set within the grounds of the owner’s home commands panoramic views of beautiful country. Just nine miles from...
Birslack Cottage
In the sleepy village of Levens, this romantic cottage with private garden set within the grounds of the owner’s home commands panoramic views of beautiful country. Just nine miles from...
Wild Boar Estate
Wild Boar Estate is a traditional Lakeland Inn, ideally situated between Kendal and Windermere in the rolling countryside of the Gilpin Valley. The estate has 72 acres of private woodla...
Damson Dene Hotel
A few miles from Lake Windermere, the Damson Dene Hotel is in an area known for its damson orchards, which are a real attraction in spring when they are in blossom. The hotel and ground...
Places to eat nearby View all
