Whinfell Beacon! A stone’s throw outside of Kendal, and now officially incorporated into the Lake District National Park, this is a hidden gem! Quiet and beautiful, off the beaten track and with amazing views.

You can drive all the way up to a Repeater Station Mast, where you can park for free (GR 586004 on OS map OL7). Be prepared to drive along a bridleway and across a lot of cattle grids towards the top, but it makes it a much easier climb for the family. You will also have to open (and close!) a gate at GR 568982 at the start of the drive along the bridleway.

Access from Kendal, out on the A685 Appleby Road to Grayrigg. Turn left in Grayrigg and then follow map to the gird reference.

The walk from the mast to the top of the Beacon (GR 574003) isn’t too strenuous, although does get steep towards the top.  Total distance, there and back is approx 2.5km.  It’s a good, visible challenge for the kids and offers fantastic views on a clear day.  You’ll also find it much much quieter than some of the other hills on a busy day.

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