Staveley and Kentmere Valley
Low-key Lake District running at its best. No crowds, good tracks, and the Hawkshead Brewery tap at the end. The Lakes without fighting for parking at Wasdale.
Effort: Good distance, solid climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
E3·T2 — how we grade routesMostly on runnable ground, but most runners still walk the steepest climbs.
A valley circuit from Staveley through the Kentmere Valley — one of the Lake District's quieter corners. Combines riverside paths, open hillside, and easy navigation with views to the surrounding horseshoe ridges.
Low-key Lake District running at its best. No crowds, good tracks, and the Hawkshead Brewery tap at the end. The Lakes without fighting for parking at Wasdale.
The route
From Staveley, the route heads north up the Kentmere Valley following the River Kent. The return takes a different line over low fell ground east of the valley, giving views back down to the reservoir and the horseshoe ridges above.
Staveley as a base
Staveley is a proper trail running village. Hawkshead Brewery is based here, the train stops here, and routes into Kentmere start from the door. An underused hub for Lake District running.
Some navigation on open hillside sections. River crossing points can be high after heavy rain.
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.
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