Underbarrow and its
surroundings
Underbarrow nestles at the head of the beautiful Lyth Valley, a highly attractive and sheltered area flanked by the steep slopes of the limestone ridges of Scout Scar to the east and Whitebarrow to the west. Scout Scar (also known as Underbarrow Scar), is a long limestone ridge rising to 764 feet. Scout Scar provides some of the best views across the entire southern fells. At the summit of Scout Scar is a shelter, known locally as ‘The Mushroom’. It was built in 1912 as a memorial to King George V. The shelter incorporates a toposcope, depicting the peaks of the Central Fells and other notable local landmarks. Scout Scar can easily be reached by foot from Orphan Crag as part of a circular walk, or for a shorter walk via the car park on the road to Kendal. The Lyth Valley is famed for its damson orchards and the profusion of white damson blossom in spring. The Westmorland damson is an old English native fruit similar to plums. The orchards of the Lyth Valley date back to 1850s. The unique geographical features of the valley provide an excellent micro-climate for cultivation of the fruit. The fruit ripens in September and is sold from roadside stalls and in local shops. There are also many local products derived from damsons including jam, wine, gin, bottled damsons and ice cream. ‘Damson Day’ is usually held around Easter, an event started in1998 by the Westmorland Damson Association with the aim of preventing the loss of the damson trees in the valley and to market damson products. |
Further afield, a short drive to the west of
Underbarrow, brings you to Gummer’s How, a well-known local beauty spot. From here a short walk brings you to the
summit, which affords a fine view over Lake Windermere, and towards the Central
fells beyond. The walk to the summit is usually taken from the road at Astley's
Plantation car park, itself at over 200 metres above sea level, and only 700
metres from the summit. Although short and easy by most standards, and popular
with families, it has many of the characteristics of a walk in the higher Lakeland
fells, with some (short) steep slopes, rocks to negotiate, and rowan, bracken and
heather. The lower slopes are forested, but the upper portion is moorland. For those interested in cultural heritage, there are a number of magnificent castles and country houses within easy reach of Underbarrow. The nearest and most notable of these are Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall.
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