L2L Day 46 Sedbergh to Kendal

Try as I might and hard to believe,  I couldn't find a decent walking route from Sedbergh (I'm told pronounced Sedburr) to Kendal and certainly none without walking on the A684 or the A683 neither of which filled me with glee.

I was planning to have a rest day in Kendal but with two sore heels from yesterday, I decided to catch the S1 bus.

First a reprise of my quick walk around Sedbergh yesterday evening and a visit to the local library to find out how the town acquired the reputation of "England's Book Town" 


- apparently a bit of a marketing wheeze though the town used to have more book shops than it does now. I suspect Hay on Wye would have something to say about that! 

My decision not to walk on the A684 was vindicated when I caught the S1 and experienced at first hand how windey the road and how fast the traffic travels - well at least our driver took off before everyone had sat down and proceeded for the next 20 mins at a 'fair lick'. I was happy to get off when we arrived safely in Kendal outside the Town Hall 


which has a marvellous carillon which plays different tunes at times throughout the day.


I'm sure it's good for the town's mental health.

The centre of Kendal is very attractive - a buzzing array of shops and some nice spaces,



changes of level and old stone bridges over the river.


The Civic Society and conservationists realise that they have a bit of a jewel with a lot of old buildings and a lot of history. So, lots of Blue plaques and though there were many empty shops it was good to see so many old residential buildings being used in the town centre.

It also has a thriving Arts scene and a busy Brewery Arts centre.

I checked in to my B&B before heading out for supper. They squeezed me in on the last remaining table at La Luna and I feasted on a large pizza and a pint of Italian beer. Happy boy!!







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