Benson Knott

About Benson Knott

Overlooking the market town of Kendal, this prominent grassy outlier provides a steep but brief ascent with an outsized reward. From its summit trig pillar, the view spans from the rounded Howgills in the east to the high, craggy peaks of the Kentmere Horseshoe, offering a perfect introduction to the region.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is a blend of the local surname 'Benson' and the Old Norse word 'knutr', which refers to a craggy or rocky hill—a common element in Cumbrian place names.
• •Alfred Wainwright included the hill in his final guidebook, The Outlying Fells of Lakeland, noting that although the hill is geographically modest, it serves as an excellent 'grandstand' for viewing the higher mountains to the west.
• •The summit offers a clear perspective of the 'A6' road snaking north towards the Shap summit, once the primary and most treacherous route for travellers entering the Lake District from the south.
• •The hill is a regular fixture in the Kendal Winter League fell racing calendar, where local runners tackle the short, sharp gradient in often punishing winter conditions.
• •Despite its proximity to the town, the summit feels remarkably detached, though the climb is just long enough to make you wish you hadn't packed quite so much Kendal Mint Cake in your bag.