A level path alongside the River Kent and minor tarmac road, return to Staveley Mill Yard - OS Explorer Map OL7.
Staveley Mill Yard is the perfect example of how businesses can thrive in the Lake District National Park to benefit both locals and visitors alike. Often overlooked on the way to Windermere, Staveley is a beautiful village on the banks of the River Kent, with great transport links from Kendal and Windermere. The route takes you along the river with views towards the Kentmere Valley. And yes, there are days when you’ll have the whole route to yourself!
The River Kent is one of England’s fastest flowing rivers and historically was essential to the success of local industry. There were once over 30 mills reliant on its waterpower. The mill on this site was constructed around 1825 by local businessman Thomas Taylor. He recognised that with the new canal to Kendal, there was a ready market for bobbins and reels for the Lancashire cotton mills, and plenty of local timber in Staveley to provide the raw materials.
Turn left over the bridge and continue past the weir, built in 1853, and alongside the deeper waters of the river. Watch out for kingfishers and dippers speeding by. The path soon reaches a minor road. Continue along this to Barley Bridge and turn left and left again to return to the village centre. Once past the church, Back Lane is the quietest route to the Mill Yard.
Staveley Mill Yard
Postcode: LA8 9LN
Grid reference: SD 472983
W3W: ///explorer.entitles.welfare
Café, pub and toilets (in cafe, pub and bakery) all in the Mill Yard. Toilets (free, accessible, with baby-changing facilities) are also available beside the main bus stop (Abbey Square).
Bus: The 555 bus from Kendal to Windermere stops at Staveley every hour until the early evening. Train: The Kendal to Windermere train stops at Staveley, but there there are two flights of steps from the pavement to access the platform.
