Citizen Science Expedition: Kendal Mountain Festival 2026

Join Trash Free Trails for their annual Citizen Science Expedition to Loughrigg Fell ahead of Kendal Mountain Festival!

Gain firsthand experience of how you can remove, record and report vital data on terrestrial pollution, all while enjoying England’s highest peak. Powered by Trash Free Trails’ innovative research into single-use pollution, The State of Our Trails Report, help us protect the trails that host us this autumn and learn how to be a Citizen Scientist!

Special to this year's event will be a unique on-expedition workshop with Fix The Fells, who champion path restoration on the uplands. Sign up for more details!

We're proud to share that this year's Citizen Science Expedition is supported by the National Trust and the Killian Journet Foundation.

Key Details

Thursday November 19th 2025

8:30-4pm

Meeting Point: Pelter Bridge Car Park, Ambleside, LA22 9LW

See our route here.

Unfortunately this mountain route may not be suitable for all physical abilities. Please check the route and be sure that you can comfortably complete it before travelling. We're working to improve outdoor Trash Free Trails expeditions to ensure they are as accessible as possible - for more information contact rach@trashfreetrails.org

What to Expect

We'll meet at 8:30am before hosting a briefing at 9am. Here we'll explain everything you need to know about our unique trail cleaning method, and equip you with all the kit to become a Citizen Scientist for the day!

We'll set off, guided by a Mountain Leader. We'll be sure to stop for breaks and lunch, and to pick up any single-use pollution we find along the way!

Back at the car park we'll do a total count celebration, give out some goodies for the best finds, and share more about what happens next with the data we've collected.

You do not need to have any experience of trail cleaning or litter picking to join this event.

What to Bring

Please come in appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes. Bring plenty of layers including waterproofs.

Please come with enough water to be out on the hills all day, snacks and packed lunch.

NNormal are kindly bringing along a few pairs of shoes for you to try out on the hills! We'll be in touch nearer the time to confirm sizes.

If you have any questions about this event email rach@trashfreetrails.org