Whitbarrow Scar and Lord's Seat from Mill Side
Cumbria
Whitbarrow Scar is a long limestone plateau rising in white crags above the Lyth Valley, between Kendal and Grange-over-Sands. Rare breed cattle and sheep graze the reserve, so this is a lead walk, though the limestone pavement keeps a dog's nose busy. Its top is a 100 hectare Cumbria Wildlife Trust nature reserve named after Canon G.A.K. Hervey, founder of the Lake District Naturalists' Trust, whose memorial plaque is set in the big cairn on Lord's Seat, the 215 metre summit. Its limestone is exposed as pavement, crags and scree, with early purple orchids, hoary rock-rose and blue moor-grass in spring and heather in late summer. This 10.4km circuit from roadside parking at Mill Side climbs through woodland onto the scar, follows the ridge for about 2km to Lord's Seat, then descends through woods past Witherslack Hall and back to the start. There is around 395 metres of climbing, with a steep woodland descent that is very slippery when wet.
This is a dog friendly walk for dogs who like a quieter hill with fewer crowds, but it is largely a lead walk. Cumbria Wildlife Trust asks for dogs to be on a lead on the reserve, where rare breed cattle and sheep graze all year, and roe deer live in the woods. The lower woodland gives shade, but the top is open and dry, with no water, so carry plenty for your dog. Limestone pavement has deep cracks that can catch a paw. Parking at Mill Side is limited, and the nearest pubs are within a couple of miles.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.4 km (6.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Heathland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on route; pubs within about two miles and more choice in Kendal and Grange-over-Sands.
- Parking
- Limited free roadside parking at Mill Side, off the A590 by the cattle grid.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Whitbarrow Scar and Lord's Seat from Mill Side, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CumbriaFrequently Asked Questions
Is Whitbarrow Scar and Lord's Seat from Mill Side dog friendly?
Whitbarrow Scar is a good option for dogs who enjoy a quieter hill away from the crowds, and we've rated it 7/10 for dog friendliness. The 10.4km circuit offers plenty to keep a dog's nose interested, from limestone pavement and woodland to open ridge, with lovely views over the Kent estuary from the summit cairn on Lord's Seat. Just bear in mind that it's largely a lead walk throughout, so it suits dogs who are comfortable walking to heel.
Can dogs be off lead at Whitbarrow Scar and Lord's Seat from Mill Side?
Dogs should be kept on a lead for the majority of this walk. The top of Whitbarrow Scar is a Cumbria Wildlife Trust nature reserve where rare breed cattle and sheep graze year-round, and the Trust asks that dogs are on a lead across the reserve. Roe deer also live in the surrounding woods, so it's worth keeping leads on throughout the circuit.
What should I know before visiting Whitbarrow Scar and Lord's Seat from Mill Side with my dog?
A few things are worth knowing ahead of your visit. The limestone pavement has deep cracks that could catch a paw, and the open summit has no water, so bring plenty for your dog. The woodland descent can be very slippery when wet, and parking at Mill Side is limited, so arriving early is a good idea. There are no facilities on the route itself, though pubs are within a couple of miles if you need a post-walk stop.
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