For those of you that are thinking of going onto the hills I would strongly recommend that you read the advice given by the Mountain Rescue organisation of England and Wales. To read this advice, which will open in a new page please click HERE. If you would like to make a donation to the Mountain Rescue organisation which is purely voluntary please click HERE. Please make the time to read the advice page.

After an early morning appointment at my doctors for my 4 weekly blood-letting, blood pressure checks, annual flu jab and owt else they can find to give me, we made our way to Kendal where we had to see somebody on personal business. Unable to travel further due to granddaughter-sitting duties later we decided on this short walk along the lovely Scout Scar. Usually we do this walk from either the Underbarrow Road or from Helsington Church, but today's walk from the Brigsteer Road where the old Kendal Racecourse used to be.

Route Map -- The outline of the Kendal Racecourse can be seen near the start. The large double-dotted line oval.

We parked across the road from this fingerpost marked "Scout Scar"

It was a bit on the dull side as we set off across the old racecourse. I have been "googling" for information on its history but without success. I seem to remember visiting a show here with my father in the mid 1950's but have no idea what it was. The racetrack itself was used for harness racing and its outline is still clearly visible.

The walk across the racecourse leads us to this gate through the wall.

It's starting to brighten but the clouds look as though the Howgill fells to the east are on fire.

From the look of the clouds it looks as if it is blowing from the east but it is actually blowing from the west.

We have just passed through the gate shown, a rather new one if I remember correctly.

Our path carries on easily upwards towards the ridge.

As we gain some height the Howgills come more into view over Kendal.

Now on the ridge, we turn northwards towards the fells of Kentmere.

Over to our left, the west, the Coniston fells catch the eye.

Scout Scar Trig point.

A big zoom to the Howgills.

A southwards look into the sun to Arnside Knott and Whitbarrow.

From the trig point we walked down to the scar edge which we would follow northwards.

Walking along here is one of our low-level favourites, particularly when the views are good.

With the fairly strong breeze the clouds were flitting by, there shadows passing over the fells in a continually changing pattern.

The wider view. From Conistons to Kirkstone.

A look to Langdale with the Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and Langdale Pikes.

If you've got a dog watch where you throw its ball or stick, it's a big drop!

Now approaching the northern end of Cunswick Fell with views to the Whinfell Ridge.

We are now at the northern end with views all around, starting here, with the Coniston Fells....

....and to there right the Crinkles, Bowfell and Langdales...

.....next the Helvellyn, and Fairfield Fells..

....the fells of Kentmere..

and over Potter Fell the fells of Shap.

From the northern end we make our way onto the ridge to head back.

Passing the summit shelter on our way.

Before long we reach the wall and gate which is our route back.

The path is well trodden and leads us down to the wall ahead.

Which is followed to a wall ahead with gate....

....through which we go to walk around Bradley Field farm....

...to join the farm track which will lead us back to the car.

The stile is only a few yards from our starting point. The banking in the field is the track of the old Racecourse.

Next Walk:     7th October 2010 - Lake District - A Tilberthwaite Tour

Last Walk:      4th October 2010 - S.Cumbria / N.Lancs - A Whittington Wander

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