Borrowdale, Keswick

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Borrowdale, Keswick

Borrowdale has been called the loveliest valley in England and many of its visitors would agree with this. The B5289 leaves Keswick and keeps close to the shores of Derwentwater offering magnificent views across the lake to Catbells and Maiden Moor.

A mile or so further on a minor road branches off to the left leading to the hamlet of Watendlath over the most photographed bridge in the area - Ashness Bridge. Watendlath, one of the hidden gems of the area was left behind as huge glaciers scoured out the main valley below. The hamlet has a seven acre tarn of the same name stocked with trout for fishing. It is situated two and a half miles along a narrow hidden valley. Watendlath is entirely owned and protected by the National Trust as are many of the farms, much of the lake and most of the surrounding fells in the Borrowdale Valley. The minor road comes to an end in Watendlath and beyond this a path leads up into the fells and over and down into Rosthwaite.

Grange in Borrowdale is very picturesque with its double arched bridge taking you into the village and then to the other side of Derwentwater. There are two tea shops in Grange. Just past Grange Village a path leads to the Bowder Stone, a massive boulder of 2000 tons.

The valley narrows dramatically at the 'Jaws of Borrowdale' and broadens again as Rosthwaite is approached. In Rosthwaite there is a village store where you can stock up on day to day provisions. The Riverside Bar, part of the Scafell Hotel, is the ideal place to sit down after a good walk or for an evening meal. In Seatoller Honister's Yew Tree is both a country pub and restaurant. You will also find a Visitor Information Centre in Seatoller.

From Seathwaite, a mile from Seatoller, walkers and climbers begin their ascents of Great Gable, Bowfell, Pillar, Scafell and Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. For walking routes click here.

After Seatoller the road climbs steeply up the Honister Pass (gradient of 1 in 3 in places). At the head of the pass is the Honister Slate Mine where you can go underground on a tour. The road then descends into the Buttermere Valley past the farms and runs alongside the beautiful lake to the hamlet of Buttermere.

If you want to leave your car behind take the 77/77A Honister Rambler bus, a spectacular circular route between Keswick and Buttermere via the Whinlatter Pass and Honister Pass. The Borrowdale Rambler bus also serves the area, starting in Keswick and terminating at Seatoller at the head of the valley. For bus timetables click here.