SD4892 : Scout Scar

Scout Scar (Wainwright summit)

233m Elevation
3m Prominence
England Country
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SD4892 : Scout Scar

Richard Webb Photo source

Overview

Scout Scar (Wainwright summit)

This entry is the 233 m Mushroom shelter, Wainwright’s named summit on Scout Scar near Kendal. It is an Outlying Fell, not a Marilyn. The natural high point is a separate 235 m location about 270 m north; the trig pillar stands about 650 m south and lower down.

Walking routes

A short approach crosses Underbarrow Road from the quarry car park and climbs to the Mushroom, returning the same way. The longer geological circuit begins in Kendal and includes Cunswick, the Mushroom and the separate trig-point path before returning to town. Use each route’s stated metric scope; the official lower accessible route is not a measured Mushroom summit walk.

Landscape and views

Carboniferous limestone forms the escarpment. Faulting and tilting help explain the steep western face and gentler slopes towards Kendal. The viewpoint looks towards the Lake District, Morecambe Bay and the Howgills in clear weather.

Safety and access

Expect uneven limestone, an initially steep climb and exposed escarpment edges. Cross the road carefully. The longer circuit includes stiles and additional steep ground. The National Park’s accessible-route information describes a lower path with steep gradients; it should not be treated as assurance of wheeled access to this summit.

Shelter and local services

The Mushroom dates from 1912 and is associated with King George V. Its current viewfinder condition has not been verified. There are no facilities on the National Park’s route; Kendal is the nearby town for services. Check current parking signs, transport and opening arrangements.

Explore routes near Scout Scar (Wainwright summit)

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Sizergh: Park End Moss and Brigsteer Park Wood Circuit

4.6 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Coniston to Tarn Hows: Monk Coniston Gardens and Woodland Circuit

8.1 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

View route

Bolton-le-Sands to Hest Bank: Lancaster Canal Towpath Return

8.5 km ~2h 15m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Scout Scar Mushroom from Underbarrow Road, returning the same way

Start and finish at Scout Scar quarry car park on Underbarrow Road. Cross the road carefully, take the uphill path and continue to the Mushroom shelter, the Wainwright summit. Retrace the whole approach to the car park. This short return option uses the documented summit approach; no separately verified full-return distance, ascent or duration is available. The Miles Without Stiles lower-path figures do not measure this summit visit.

Short walk with a steep initial climb

Kendal geological circuit via Cunswick and Scout Scar

Start and finish at Queens Road, Kendal (SD512928). Walk over Kendal Fell and the A591 footbridge to Cunswick, descend towards Cunswick Tarn and continue by Gamblesmire Lane to Scout Scar quarry car park. Cross Underbarrow Road, visit the Mushroom shelter, then continue south and round to the separate trig-point path. Return through the old racecourse and over the Brigsteer Road bridge to Kendal and Queens Road. The published full circuit is 11.5 km; allow 4–5 hours. Total ascent is not supplied. Includes steep and uneven paths, stiles and road crossings.

11.5 km Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Wainwright Outlying Fell

Elevation

233m

764 ft

Prominence

3m

Coordinates

54.3208, -2.7908

SD486919

OS Map

97

Explorer: OL7N

At the Summit

The Wainwright summit is the Mushroom shelter at 233 m. It is separate from Scout Scar’s 235 m natural high point about 270 m north and from the lower trig point about 650 m south. Current condition of the shelter’s viewfinder has not been verified.

Terrain & Geology

Limestone and grassy paths uneven rocky ground and a steep initial climb from Underbarrow Road. The longer Kendal circuit includes stiles woodland paths a steep Cunswick descent and road crossings.

Scout Scar is a Carboniferous limestone escarpment. The local geological leaflet identifies Dalton Limestone at the quarry and explains the tilted, faulted landscape with gentle eastern slopes and steep western scarps.

Views & Scenery

From the Mushroom viewpoint, views extend towards the Lake District fells, Morecambe Bay and the Howgill Fells in clear conditions.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name’s origin has not been established from the reviewed sources.

Historical Significance

The Mushroom shelter was built in 1912 and is associated with King George V. Scout Scar is included among Wainwright’s Outlying Fells of Lakeland.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Scout Scar quarry car park on Underbarrow Road is the local starting point. The longer geological circuit starts at Queens Road in Kendal; use appropriate town parking and follow current signs.

Public Transport

The National Park lists no direct public transport to the Underbarrow Road car park. A walking approach from Kendal is possible as part of the documented town circuit; check current transport and return arrangements.

Nearby Facilities

The National Park lists no facilities on its Scout Scar route. Use Kendal for visitor services and check current opening arrangements.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep drops along the western escarpment; keep clear of edges, especially in wind or poor visibility.
  • Uneven limestone and steep paths require care. Cross Underbarrow Road carefully.
  • The official accessible lower route has steep gradients and does not establish wheelchair or mobility-scooter access to the Mushroom summit.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Scout Scar (Wainwright summit)?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Scout Scar (Wainwright summit) through the maps

Are there other walkers around Scout Scar (Wainwright summit)?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Scout Scar (Wainwright summit) search or of course create your own walk for Scout Scar (Wainwright summit)

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How do I find a walk up this hill?

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Can I suggest a new route up Scout Scar (Wainwright summit)?

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Location

Scout Scar (Wainwright summit) location map

Grid reference: SD486919

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