Scout Scar and the Mushroom from Kendal
Cumbria
Scout Scar is a long limestone escarpment just west of Kendal, where beds of Carboniferous limestone dip gently east and break off in a steep western cliff above the Lyth Valley and Underbarrow. Cattle graze the scar at times, so a lead is sensible, though the open grassland gives a dog room to range. It is part of the Scout and Cunswick Scars Site of Special Scientific Interest, known for its limestone grassland flowers. On the scar stands the Mushroom, a round domed shelter built in 1912 as a memorial to King George V, with a toposcope under its roof naming the fells in view. This 2.4km loop from the signed car park on the Underbarrow road climbs gently through a kissing gate onto the edge, follows it south past the Mushroom and the trig point at 229 metres, then returns on a parallel path. There is only around 40 metres of climbing, with views to Scafell Pike, the Langdale Pikes and the Howgills.
This is a dog friendly walk, with open grassy ground on the dip slope where a dog with good recall can stretch its legs. The western edge is a genuine cliff with no fence, so keep dogs well back from it and on a lead in poor visibility. Cattle graze the scar and Helsington Barrows to the south at times, so carry a lead. There is no water on this dry limestone ground and no shade, so bring a drink for your dog on warm days. There are no facilities at the car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 50 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Heathland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None at the car park or on route; cafes, pubs and shops in Kendal.
- Parking
- Signed Scout Scar car park on the Kendal to Underbarrow road, about 1.5 miles from Kendal, beyond the larger car park by the mast; free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Scout Scar and the Mushroom from Kendal, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CumbriaDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to Scout Scar and the Mushroom from Kendal. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
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All dog friendly hotels in Westmorland and FurnessFrequently Asked Questions
Is Scout Scar and the Mushroom from Kendal dog friendly?
Scout Scar is a pretty good option for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The open limestone grassland on the dip slope gives dogs room to move, and the 2.4km loop is short enough to suit most. Just be aware that cattle graze the scar at times, and the western edge is an unfenced cliff, so some care is needed.
Can dogs be off lead at Scout Scar and the Mushroom from Kendal?
Dogs with solid recall can enjoy some freedom on the open grassy ground of the dip slope, but there are a couple of important exceptions. The western edge of the escarpment is a genuine cliff with no fence, so dogs should be kept well back from it and on a lead in poor visibility. Cattle also graze the scar at times, which means a lead is the sensible choice whenever livestock are present.
What should I know before visiting Scout Scar and the Mushroom from Kendal with my dog?
The limestone ground is naturally dry with no water sources on route and no shade, so bring a drink for your dog, especially on warm days. There are no facilities at the car park, though cafes, pubs and shops are available back in Kendal, roughly 1.5 miles away. Pack a lead for the cliff edge and for any cattle encounters, and you should be well set for a straightforward, enjoyable walk.
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