River Mint

The River Mint rises near Whelpside where Bannisdale Beck meets a smaller stream from Combs Hollow and Mabbin Crag. It flows south-east from Bannisdale Head, gathering water from The Forest and several small valleys along the way. After passing Patton Bridge the river turns south-west and passes the hamlet of Meal Bank. South-west of Kendal it meets the River Kent between Mintsfeet and Kentrigg. The river is one of the Kent’s main tributaries and drains a compact catchment of upland fells and wooded valleys. Its headwaters lie close to the 19th-century turnpike road that once linked Kendal to Sedbergh. The valley sides are lined with drystone walls built by 18th-century farmers to enclose rough grazing. Visitors walk the quiet lanes beside the river or follow the old packhorse routes that once carried wool and lead down to Kendal. The water is clear and shallow, with stepping-stones at several points. Herons and dippers nest along the banks, and in spring the valley sides are bright with wood anemones.