Heart of Kendal - Kendal Riverside Active Travel Improvements

The route follows New Road (A65) from its junction with Stramongate to Miller Bridge, linking into the town centre via Kent Street. It continues along the riverside path, providing a shared route for walking, wheeling and cycling to Dowker’s Lane and Nether Bridge.

Kent Street is a key link between Market Place and the riverside corridor. Upgrading connections to this link will make it easier for people to access the town centre in a sustainable way.

The map below shows the location of the route, connections to the wider LCWIP network and the other projects set for delivery through the Heart of Kendal Programme.

Pedestrian routes in the area include a mix of surfaced paths and road crossings. Several crossings are currently uncontrolled, meaning there are no traffic signals to give pedestrians priority and encourage drivers to stop. Some paths offer a quieter experience - such as those running alongside the River Kent and through green spaces - while others are located next to busy roads. Path widths vary, and some sections feel narrow or restricted, which can affect comfort and accessibility.

Cycling provision is currently limited and does not meet the latest design standards. Existing facilities include painted cycle lanes on footways and stretches of shared-use paths.  

In some places, lighting is inadequate and signage is unclear. This can affect how the route feels and reduce confidence for those walking, wheeling or cycling. Elsewhere, the dominance of space and infrastructure for motor vehicles makes the route feel less welcoming and unattractive for those travelling actively.