About
In partnership with the National Trust and the Fell & Rock Climbing Club, Kendal Mountain Festival presents a unique event about the Great Gift War Memorial.
Amid the terrible carnage of the First World War, the Fell & Rock Climbing Club lost 20 of its members. To this venerable club, started in 1906, this was a grievous blow and a decision was made by the surviving members to raise funds, purchase land and gift 12 Lakeland summits to the nation as a War Memorial.
In 1923 the title deeds to 3,000 acres of high fells including Lingmell, Broad Crag, Great End, Seathwaite Fell, Allen Crags, Glaramara, Kirk Fell, Great Gable, Green Gable, Base Brown, Brandreth and Grey Knotts were donated to the National Trust to hold for "the use and enjoyment of the people of our land for all time". And on 8 June 1924, 500 climbers, hill walkers and local residents gathered on the summit of Great Gable to unveil a bronze memorial plaque to those 20 members. Read more on the National Trust's commemorations HERE
In this centenary year the National Trust was keen to develop ways of commemorating the War Memorial gift, and over three summer weekends 60 hardy singers climbed a total of 25 miles and 3,000 metres of ascent to perform a specially commissioned song on every peak. The choir was named ‘The Fellowship of Hill, and Wind, and Sunshine’ after the speech made by poet and mountaineer Geoffrey Winthrop Young at that Great Gable ceremony in 1924.
In partnership with the National Trust and the Fell & Rock Climbing Club, Kendal Mountain Festival presents a unique event about the War Memorial. Hosted by Paul Rose, fresh from his BBC series about The Lakes, the event will feature a portrayal of the War Memorial story by Dr Jonathan Westaway, Research Fellow at the University of Central Lancashire specialising in the histories of mountaineering, mountain environments and exploration. There will be contributions from FRCC members Sir Chris Bonington, and Richard Hargreaves, great-nephew of Geoffrey Winthrop Young. Plus the Fellowship of Hill, and Wind, and Sunshine Choir will perform on stage, led by Cumbrian songwriter, musician and teacher, Dave Camlin. We’ll also hear from the team of National Trust rangers and volunteers who restored the huge Scafell Pike summit cairn, camping and working in all weathers.
Truly an event not to be missed, especially with the Festival occurring so soon after the Armistice centenary. And for every ticket sold, Kendal Mountain Festival will donate £2.00 to 'Fix the Fells’ partnership.
Guide Prices
£15.00
£2.00 - For every ticket sold, Kendal Mountain Festival will donate £2.00 to Fix the Fells
Map & Directions
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Road Directions
Burton Road is part of the A65. From South A591. Take first turn into Kendal. Take Right at first traffic lights, Right at roundabout, on left side of Burton Road. Accessible by Public Transport: Oxenholme station is 1 mile away.
