Borrowdale, Lake District, Cumberland, England
Borrowdale
Valley
Place photograph
8.2
Wildland
Half day to full day
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.2Borrowdale runs south from Derwentwater into a landscape of wooded slopes, river, fell and small settlements. Its scale lets you move from familiar lakeshore views towards quieter-feeling upland places such as Watendlath.
Borrowdale earns its place through the variety packed into one Lake District valley: Derwentwater, Atlantic oak woodland, a striking glacial viewpoint, the Bowder Stone and the high hamlet of Watendlath. It rewards a day built around a few deliberate stops rather than a hurried list of viewpoints.
Dramatic · Wild · Atmospheric · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapBorrowdale, Lake District, Cumberland, England
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The experience
Use Borrowdale as a day of linked stops rather than attempting to cover the whole valley at once. Pair a walk with one or two distinctive landmarks, and check access and conditions before choosing your route.
Things to do
See the Bowder Stone
Visit the house-sized boulder balanced on one edge in woodland beneath Kings How. The supplied source describes a short path from the car park and a ladder to the top; check current access and safety conditions.
Allow time for the short approach and visit; exact duration not supplied.
Take in Surprise View
A short walk from the car park reaches this viewpoint, described by the National Trust as looking across Derwentwater towards Keswick and the Skiddaw massif. The source explains that the drop reflects glacial shaping of the landscape.
A short stop; exact duration not supplied.
Look closely at Ashness Bridge
See the packhorse bridge and its setting above Derwentwater. The National Trust says it is a popular viewpoint and recommends arriving early or late for a clearer view without other visitors.
A short stop; exact duration not supplied.
Explore the Watendlath setting
Visit the high hamlet beside its tarn and packhorse bridge. Notice the traditional farmed landscape and, on the approach described by the National Trust, ancient ash pollards.
Allow time for the visit and any walk; exact duration not supplied.
Walk a section of Derwentwater shore
Choose a lakeshore section for views towards Catbells, Keswick and the Jaws of Borrowdale. The supplied source recommends a section rather than specifying a route or distance.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; exact walking time depends on your chosen stops.
Quick escape: Bowder Stone and a valley viewpoint
- 01
Visit the Bowder Stone, reached by a short path from its car park according to the supplied source.
- 02
If conditions and time allow, continue to Surprise View, a viewpoint described as only a few metres from its car park.
- 03
Check current parking, access and conditions before setting out.
Half day · Half day; allow extra time for walking and travel between stops.
Make a half day of it: lake, bridge and high hamlet
- 01
Begin with a section of Derwentwater’s shore; the supplied source suggests lakeshore walking.
- 02
See Ashness Bridge and the view over Derwentwater, then continue to Surprise View if access and conditions suit.
- 03
Carry on towards Watendlath for its tarn, packhorse bridge and farmed landscape.
- 04
Check road conditions, parking and the tea-room’s opening hours before travelling.
Full Wildland day · Full day; timings depend on travel, walking choices and conditions.
A full Borrowdale day: lake to high valley
- 01
Start at Derwentwater and walk a section of the lakeshore.
- 02
Visit the Bowder Stone and allow time to see the boulder from the woodland path.
- 03
Continue to Ashness Bridge and Surprise View for the views across the lake and valley.
- 04
Drive or walk onward towards Watendlath, taking time to notice the old farmed landscape and ash pollards.
- 05
Use the farmhouse café or Caffle House tea-room only after checking current opening arrangements.
Verified history
The National Trust describes Surprise View as the point where the hanging valley of Watendlath was cut off by the main glacier that carved Borrowdale. It also identifies Ashness Bridge as a packhorse bridge and describes Watendlath as a medieval farmed landscape. These are landscape and local heritage details; the supplied sources do not provide a more precise date for the bridge or the farming landscape.
Hidden details
The glacial edge at Surprise View — The viewpoint is not only a panorama: the National Trust identifies it as the edge of the hanging valley of Watendlath, cut off by the glacier that carved Borrowdale.
Ash pollards on the Watendlath approach — The National Trust notes ancient ash pollards along the route beyond Surprise View towards Watendlath—an easy-to-miss living detail in the wider landscape.
A boulder balanced on edge — The Bowder Stone is described as a house-sized boulder balanced improbably on one edge. Look for its scale and position among the woodland rocks.
When to go
· Early or late for a quieter visit to Ashness Bridge; clear conditions are preferable for expansive views.
The supplied sources identify viewpoints, woodland and walking opportunities but do not establish seasonal highlights or peak months.
Check local weather, mountain conditions and road conditions before travelling. The supplied National Trust source describes a steep, narrow road towards Watendlath.
Worth pairing with
Derwentwater
Pair Borrowdale with a lakeshore walk for views towards Catbells, Keswick and the Jaws of Borrowdale.
Honister Slate Mine
A distinct heritage stop beyond the valley, described by the supplied source as England’s last working slate mine, with guided mine tours and other activities. Check current access and availability.
Watendlath
A high hamlet beside a tarn with a packhorse bridge and traditional farmed landscape; a worthwhile extension if road, access and conditions permit.
What to look for
- 01
The Bowder Stone balanced on edge
- 02
the packhorse bridge at Ashness
- 03
the glacially shaped drop at Surprise View
- 04
ancient ash pollards on the way towards Watendlath
- 05
and the contrast between wooded slopes and open fell.
The story
Glacial landscape, packhorse routes and traditional farming landscape
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for longer walking days; choose a clear, calm day for the best views. Check mountain and road conditions before setting out.
Early or late in the day for a quieter visit to Ashness Bridge; choose clear weather for open views. The National Trust notes that the viewpoint is popular.
How long to spend
Half day to full day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Families · History lovers · Wildlife lovers
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
Borrowdale is a valley and civil parish, not a single managed attraction. The supplied sources describe walks, viewpoints and other places in the area; check access, parking and current conditions for each chosen stop before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking information varies by stop. The National Trust describes car parks at Ashness Bridge and Surprise View; check current details before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
The National Trust source lists public toilets at Watendlath; check current availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The National Trust source mentions a farmhouse café at Watendlath and advises checking Caffle House tea-room opening hours ahead. Other food options are not verified here.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current site guidance and local signage before visiting with a dog.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Terrain and access vary across the valley; the supplied sources describe steep, narrow roads and walking routes. Check route surfaces, gradients and facilities for each stop before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Derwentwater, River Derwent and the tarn at Watendlath are mentioned in the supplied sources. No swimming or paddling permission is verified.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Borrowdale
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
