Thousands of motorists, intent of ‘doing’ the Lakes, rush through Staveley on their way to Windermere and points north. Even many discerning walkers automatically head for Langdale or Patterdale without considering Kentmere. This beautiful valley is perhaps too near Kendal for the many motorists who find virtue in high mileage. Kentmere is the home of many wild fell ponies, which are often to be seen grazing the higher slopes.
[1] Kentmere Church stands at the top of a steep rise in the road near to the start of the Garburn Pass. From the church, follow the tarmac road to Nook House, which is situated at the foot of the pass; do not turn left but keep straight on through a gate. The lane twists below a series of crags and continues towards the head of the valley. Pass over a cattle grid, and soon the whole valley head comes into sight. The way continues, and at Hartrigg, leave the tarmac lane and take the left hand track through a gate. This track overlooks the farm which nestles in the conifers. Continue along this track, which after crossing a stream makes its way through the disused quarries. Keeping to the left of the river, follow the main path towards the reservoir. Cross the overflow channel via the footbridge and walk beside the overflow channel up to the dam.
(A) The dam, and in particular the overflow channel, are worthy of inspection. To approach the dam by walking up the channel, if dry, gives the impression of the steps to an ancient monument, despite its fairly recent construction.
[2] Cross the dam, or even walk round the reservoir, then start the return journey down the valley by following a narrow path on the other (east) side of the stream. Follow the path below Tongue Scar to Overend Farm.
Alternatively, from the dam, climb the slope ahead by way of a grassy rake which tends to the right. This is not a path, but it serves as a useful link to the main Nan Bield track, which meets the route to right of the rocky knoll as seen from the dam. Turn right at the junction and follow the path, which becomes less distinct, for a very short way over wetter ground. The path becomes more obvious as it drops down to a wall, a gate in the corner of which leads to a stream crossing. This path is followed to Overend Farm.
The Nan Bield track and the adjacent lower level path both lead to Overend farm. Turn left on to the road and walk past the farm buildings to a gate slightly at an angle to the road. This leads to a bridle-way—the first part is wet, and this can be avoided by following the road to the village.
Those who suffer the wet section will be rewarded later, for the bridleway is between walls for the most part and offers splendid views both across the valley and back towards the fells at its head.
The track rejoins the road, follow it down to the second junction. Turn right and follow this lane to the bridge over the Kent; here turn right and walk back to the church.