Levens Park and the River Kent.

Start. Oxenholme.

Route. Oxenholme - Burton Road - Oxenholme Lane - Natland - Hawes Lane - Crowpark Bridge - Hawes Bridge - Wilson Place - Nannypie Lane - Force Lane - Park Head - Levens Park - Levens Bridge - Levens Park - Hincaster Road - Kendal/Lancaster Canal - Sedgwick - Larkrigg Spring Wood - Crowpark Bridge - Hawes Lane - Natland - Oxenholme Lane - Burton Road - Oxenholme.

Notes. With no intention of going out I sat watching heavy snow falling, softening the harsh features in the back garden. Even if I'd wanted to venture out the road was like a skating rink, I've a short not so steep hill to drive down to access the main road, it wouldn't be the first time I was unable to stop at the bottom. As we don't often get snow in the Kent valley I decided if I couldn't drive I'd walk. Yes I'd follow the River Kent into Levens Park before wandering back along the northern reaches of the Kendal/Lancaster Canal. That's exactly what I did, through a mixing pot of rain, hail, sleet and snow.

Via Burton Road and Oxenholme Lane I made my way to Natland, Hawes Lane then guided me to Hawes Bridge and the east bank of the River Kent. I followed the river down stream crossing to the opposite bank via the foot-bridge at Wilson Place. With the tarmac of Nannypie Lane now under foot I wandered on to Force Bridge, where after taking some photos from the bridge I stepped into Force Lane.

With the tarmac of Force Lane under my boot soles I strolled to Park Head to be greeted by a finger-post, this foot path ran along the edge of Beech Wood to access Levens Park. Through the deer park I wandered, on reaching Levens Bridge I crossed the river to re-enter the park on the east bank . This path proved far more interesting than the one that lead me here, guided by a mile long avenue of ancient oaks, planted to emphasise the importance of what was once the main carriage drive to Levens Hall.

The avenue ended at the east entrance to the park, I stepped onto the tarmac of the Hincaster Road, followed the road over the A590 to be welcomed by a finger-post inviting me to Kendal, I obliged ascending a flight of steps before entering sheep pastures gently rising towards the top of Wellheads Hill. The path I now followed climbed through said pastures to access the Kendal/Lancaster canal at Sedgwick Hall Bridge, the canal was to be my companion and guide the few miles back to Hawes Lane. Over Sedgwick Aqueduct I wandered, through fields under Horse (or Hourse) Park Bridge then through Larkrigg Spring Wood, after passing under Larkrigg Hall Bridge Crowpark Bridge tilted into view, my exit point. I stepped back into Hawes Lane, all that remained to re-trace my steps of earlier.

view route map.

home.

In Hawes Lane looking west over the Kent valley.

Still in Hawes Lane viewing The Helm over Natland.

The River Kent at Hawes Bridge.

Almost walking in black and white, strolling along the river bank south of Natland Gorge.

At this point the weather was at my back, heavy drizzle, I was contemplating calling it a day, at Force Bridge a path cuts across fields to access the canal, we'll see.

Looking down on the Kent near Low Park, the unbroken line on the opposite bank is the head race that once powered the water wheels of the Sedgwick Gunpowder Company.

The River Kent at Low Park.

From field paths near Wilson Place views back to Larkrigg Spring Wood.

The River Kent as seen from Force Bridge.

As it stopped drizzling, I found myself wandering down Force Lane, above my head the A590.

My route through fields from Park Head.

Beech Wood, with Levens Park beyond.

Strolling through Levens Park.

Misty views from the west bank of the River Kent.

The river in Levens Park.

Viewing Levens Bridge from the shelter of a mighty old tree.

The avenue of oaks, my guide to the Hincaster Road.

From the lower slopes of Wellheads Hill views over the Hincaster Road, the A590 to a misty Sizergh Fell.

Twisted old oak passed en route.

Sedgwick Hall Bridge.

The canal at Sedgwick, It's had a bit of a clean out since I last passed this way.

Horse Park Bridge, or Hourse Park Bridge depending which map you're reading.

Larkrigg Spring Wood seen earlier from the banks of the River Kent.

Larkrigg Hall Bridge.

The Helm seen from Hawes Lane.

back to top

back to list