It’s that time of year again when outdoor enthusiasts from around the world gather at the Kendal Mountain Festival to celebrate the great outdoors. 2015 represents the 15th straight year that the Festival has been running. The Kendal Mountain Festival will convene on 20th, finishing late on Sunday, 23rd November, so if you are interested in visiting the Festival this weekend, there is still lots of time to do so.

Film makers, TV producers, adventurers, climbers and world-class lecturers gather to take part in four packed days of the very best films, speakers, books and exhibitions covering all aspects of mountain and adventure sports culture. At the heart of Kendal’s programme is the mountain film competition, attracting film premières from around the world. Over 50 films are screened . . . . KMF is not all extreme action – films genres include culture, drama, wildlife and environmental documentaries, plus a huge lecture programme. Other highlights include art exhibitions, literature events, including the coveted Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature and the highly respected ‘Adventure Film Academy’ for aspiring film-makers.

(www.mountainfest.co.uk/about)

Check out the different sections of the Kendal Mountain Festival’s website, where visitors will find full programme details. Some exciting events include an art exhibition, where there are some very creative and stunning art works. I found this one by Alex Boyd which I think is absolutely stunning!

Entitled ''Sonnets - Rannoch Moor'; Alex Boyd', this photograph posted on http://www.mountainfest.co.uk/art really draws the eye in.
Entitled ”Sonnets – Rannoch Moor’; Alex Boyd’, this photograph posted on http://www.mountainfest.co.uk/art really draws the eye in.

The Festival also includes free events. On Friday, 21st November, there is ‘Live Music: Down the Delta. On Sunday, 23rd November, there is a ‘Mountain Heritage Showcase’, what Kendal Mountain Festival affectionately calls its ‘very own Antiques Roadshow’. There are also paid events as well as a ‘Base Camp Marquee’ with exhibition and retail stands. Many of the events will be held at the Brewery Arts Centre, but there are a host of other venues that are detailed as a list and on a map on www.mountainfest.co.uk/venue.

Kendal is a market town in Cumbria, often called the gateway to the Lake District; and there is easy access by road and rail to the stunning scenery of this National Park. Within Kendal itself, there are lots to see and do, but if one wishes to get away into the lakes and mountains, then it is a short 15-minute ride to Windermere. Take a train and the journey is even less! Once in the heart of the Lake District, there is much to see and do too, so do take this opportunity to combine a great festival with an enjoyable few days in the Lakes.

newlands hause, lake district
Walking on Newlands Hause, Lake District, by Tony West.

Blenheim Lodge is located just a 15-minute journey from Kendal and we do have last minute breaks available this weekend. Prices for our rooms, all of which have Lake Windermere and/or fell views, range from just £45 per person per night for Bed and Breakfast. If you are still looking for B&B accommodation whilst attending the Kendal Mountain Festival, or if you simply desire a break away in the amazing Lake District, why not book a stay with us in our guest house, which is situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park? We would be delighted to welcome you!

lake windermere view from blenheim lodge, bowness on windermere, lake district
The blue blue waters of Lake Windermere and its surrounding mountains as seen from most of our bedrooms at Blenheim Lodge. Come and enjoy this view with us!

Blenheim Lodge . . . panoramic Lake views, peace and tranquillity, nestled against acres of beautiful fields and woodlands, in the heart of the English Lake District National Park.’

Visit our website: www.blenheim-lodge.com

Email: enquiries@blenheim-lodge.com

Telephone: 015394 43440