Walk: Bridge Over River Kent to Old Gunpowder Factory
By John Edmondson, Outdoor Correspondent, Westmorland Gazette
We were pleased to see the Westmorland Gazette’s Outdoor Correspondent, John Edmondson featuring a straightforward walk that starts and finishes here at Low Sizergh.
“This short but fascinating walk starts near Kendal, at Low Sizergh Barn, a working farm, café, and shop. It combines scenic views of the River Kent with a visit to the historic Sedgwick Gunpowder Works.
“The Gunpowder Works, founded in 1857, operated until 1935. The manufacturing process involved weighing and mixing charcoal, saltpetre, and sulphur, followed by grinding. To reduce the risk of ignition, the powders were dampened with steam-heated water and a small amount of water was added. The resulting ‘mill cake’ was processed further, pressed into shape, and broken into lumps for packaging in barrels.
“A less hazardous operation at the works involved preparing fuse powders in the Stove House. The site was self-sufficient, featuring a private gasworks, a railway siding, and water-powered turbines driven by the force of the River Kent. A suspension footbridge at the site, damaged in storms during January 2022, has now been repaired.”
Walk Description
1. Start at Low Sizergh Barn
Park at Low Sizergh Barn, located off the A590 south of Sizergh Castle. Begin by walking north alongside Growing Well. Head towards Low Park Wood Holiday Park, following the path past a small wooded hill to the River Kent. Turn left and follow the track leading to Force Bridge.
From here, pass the gate into the woods and take the wide track ahead and slightly to the left. Walk through the conifer plantation until the track starts uphill, then veer right towards a grassy clearing. Cross the clearing, heading to the far left corner where the path leads through a belt of trees to the riverside.
2. Cross the Footbridge and Explore the Gunpowder Works
Follow the riverside path, which curves left and passes the end of a raised concrete pier. Shortly before reaching a gate into a riverside field, cross a footbridge over the stream to your left. Continue along the path, crossing another bridge near the entrance to the caravan park.
Exit the caravan park via a stile opposite the amenities block. Enter the Gunpowder Works by crossing the footbridge over the River Kent, and turn right onto the riverside path. Follow the path downstream to a bridge and weir. Cross the suspension bridge just after the weir.
3. Return to Low Sizergh Barn
Turn right and walk beside the river until you reach a raised concrete platform. Cross the stile and head left across the open field to another stile in the far hedge. Descend through the woods to meet a lane. Turn right to cross the bridge over the river and follow the lane uphill.
When you reach the bridge over the road, turn left and walk up the lane past a group of cottages. Look for a gate on the left that leads into Nanny Pie Lane. Follow the path through the woodland and along an avenue of trees to the main road. Cross the road to return to Low Sizergh Barn, where the walk began.
Walk Details
- Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5 km)
- Ascent: 190 feet (58 m)
- Time: 2 hours
- Terrain: Firm footpaths and 1 mile of road walking
- Map: OS Explorer OL7
- Start Location: Low Sizergh Barn, LA8 8AE (Grid Ref: SD 502 876)