The best walks and hikes around Old Hutton And Holmescales

Yes, the area's network of public footpaths is generally welcoming to dogs, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially around farmland with livestock. A good option is a walk through Fellside Wood, a community woodland popular with local dog walkers. Please be aware that parking near the wood is limited.

The region offers several gentle walks suitable for families. The paths in Fellside Wood are broad and family-friendly, winding through young trees and a wildflower meadow. For a short walk with a rewarding view, the View of Kendal – The Helm Trig Point loop from Natland is an excellent choice, offering panoramic vistas for relatively little effort.

For some of the best views, head towards the hills just outside the parish. A hike to the summit of The Helm provides fantastic panoramic views over Kendal and the surrounding landscape. For more expansive vistas of the Lakeland fells, the Howgills, and the Yorkshire Dales, a trek up to Scout Scar is highly recommended.

Yes, many of the best routes in the area are circular. For a moderately challenging loop that combines history and nature, consider the Endmoor Millennium Clock – Peasey Beck Aqueduct loop from Preston Richard. This trail takes you along the Lancaster Canal and past the historic Peasey Beck Aqueduct.

The main transport hub for the area is Kendal, which has both a train station and extensive bus services. From Kendal, you can access trailheads for hikes to The Helm and Scout Scar. The Oxenholme Lake District railway station is also a convenient starting point for several routes, including walks towards Sedgwick and the River Kent.

Parking is available at various points depending on your chosen route. For hikes up The Helm, there are several informal parking spots around the base of the hill. The Oxenholme Lake District train station also offers parking and serves as a good starting point for longer walks. For less popular trails, parking is often limited to small lay-bys, so arriving early is advisable.

Many routes incorporate the area's waterways. Peasey Beck, which becomes the River Bela, features a lovely waterfall in the Beckside Hamlet and can be seen on several local walks. For a route that closely follows a river gorge, the Sedgwick House – River Kent Gorge loop from Oxenholme Lake District is a popular choice, showcasing the power and beauty of the River Kent.

The area is rich in history. You can see remnants of its industrial past, such as the Sedgwick and Peasey Beck aqueducts on the Lancaster Canal. The Sedgwick Aqueduct and Village – Sedgwick Aqueduct loop from Sedgwick is a great walk for exploring this heritage. You may also pass historic buildings like Bleaze Hall, a Jacobean-era house, and the Old Vicarage.

There are over 500 hiking routes to explore in and around Old Hutton and Holmescales. These range from short, easy strolls through farmland to more demanding treks over the surrounding fells, offering something for every fitness level.

The trails around Old Hutton and Holmescales are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the quiet, peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful rolling countryside, and the stunning long-distance views from the higher points. The mix of pastoral scenery and riverside paths is a frequently mentioned highlight.

For those seeking a longer day out, there are several rewarding options. The Cunswick Scar summit cairn – The Mushroom on Scout Scar loop from Oxenholme Lake District is a fantastic choice, covering over 10 miles of varied terrain with superb views from the limestone scars.