Wondering what’s on over the summer holidays for families? Check out our What’s On guide.
If you’re looking for a quick Lake District family walk with maximum reward for minimal effort close to Kendal, Scout Scar is hard to beat. This short route climbs gently onto a striking limestone escarpment, where wide-open views stretch across the Lyth Valley, the surrounding Lakeland fells, and all the way to Morecambe Bay on a clear day.
Along the way, children will love spotting the distinctive Mushroom shelter, scrambling over limestone rocks, and searching for the trig point that marks the turnaround. It’s an ideal walk for families wanting big scenery without committing to a full day on the fells.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission.
When planning your visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Please also take all litter home with you, don’t bring BBQs, and park your car in designated parking areas.
Scout Scar walk map
On all Lake District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7 (English Lakes South-eastern Area). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.
Need to know
DISTANCE OF WALK: 2.6km / 1.7 miles
TERRAIN: Even gravel and grassy paths with a slight incline.
PARKING: Scout Scar Car Park, which is 150 metres along the road from Underbarrow Rd Parking. Click here for Google Map point on your phone for Scout Scar car park. Postcode is: LA8 8HB. Driving from Kendal, after crossing the dual carriage way, the car park you want is the second on the right. Parking is free, but donations are welcome via the RingGo app (37336).
WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Views with minimal effort, Scout Scar trig point.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Allow 1 hours for this walk, although longer if little ones want to play.
TOTAL ASCENT: 36 metres
FACILITIES: There are no public toilets or eateries on this walk.
The route
START: Scout Scar Car Park
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SD 4884 9238
Post code: LA8 8HB
what3words: ///gums.hints.pram
Route follows an anticlockwise direction.
1. From the car park, cross over the road (careful here, the visibility isn’t ideal) and go through the gate.
2. Follow the path ahead of you, leading up a fairly steep, but short hill. There are a couple of benches along here in case anyone needs a little break. As you climb, views of the Lakeland fells will emerge through the trees (depending on the season).
3. Continue along the path as it opens out onto Scout Scar, where you’re rewarded with spectacular views across the surrounding landscape. On a clear day you can see right down to Morecambe Bay and across to the Lakeland fells. Please be mindful of the cliff edge. Children and dogs should be under close supervision.
4. Up ahead, you will see a shelter, known as The Mushroom. Keep walking towards this. The Mushroom was built in 1912 as a memorial to King George V, and restored in 2003. When you get arrive, you’ll see the surrounding fells and mountains have been drawn on the roof. See how many you can spot! You may even spot Blackpool Tower on a very clear day.
5. With the cliff edge on your right hand side, take the path that leads directly from The Mushroom. Keep walking along here as it takes you over the scar, all the time keeping the cliff edge on your right hand side. You will eventually see a wall up ahead with a little gap in it, this is where you are headed.
6. Once you’ve gone through the gap in the wall, turn left and you will see the trig point up a slight hill. Head to the trig point.
7. In the wall next to the trig point, you will notice an opening. Go through this opening, and follow the path for just over 1km back to the car park, keeping the wall on your right hand side.
Lake District Kids is a free online resource. If you have found this website useful for planning your family adventures, you can show your support by buying us a coffee. Thanks so much!
Also, feel free to share your walk photos in our Lake District Kids Facebook Group or on Instagram using by tagging @lakedistrictkidsuk in your caption so we can share with our wider community.