Kendal is the southern gateway to the Lake District — a busy market town of grey limestone buildings on the River Kent, where the Dales Way begins its 78-mile journey north to Ilkley. Scout Scar, just above the town, gives a dramatic limestone escarpment with panoramic views across Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland fells.

A well-served town with good independent shops and direct rail access to the Lake District, Kendal makes an excellent and affordable base. The Kentmere horseshoe — one of the classic Wainwright rounds — starts just ten miles north.