Reston Scar and Brunt Knott
Underrated terrain in a part of the Lakes most runners skip over. Reston Scar gives you proper fell on a short day, without the crowds of the central fells.
Mostly runnable, with some steep sections you'll likely walk.
A quieter Lake District circular from Staveley combining the wooded scar of Reston, open fell on Brunt Knott, and a return through the Kentmere valley. Less visited than the big horseshoes but with character in every mile.
Underrated terrain in a part of the Lakes most runners skip over. Reston Scar gives you proper fell on a short day, without the crowds of the central fells.
The route
From Staveley, the route climbs through woodland onto the rocky ground of Reston Scar before gaining open fell on Brunt Knott (427m). The return follows the Kentmere Valley floor back to Staveley along the River Kent.
Why it works
This is a route for days when you want genuine fell terrain without the full horseshoe commitment. The combination of wooded scar and open fell makes for varied running, and the Hawkshead Brewery tap is waiting at the end.
Pathless sections on higher fell. Steep ground on Reston Scar — care needed in wet or icy conditions. Navigation complex in poor visibility.
Summits on this route
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
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