Ashness Bridge National Trust car park

Cyclists crossing Ashness Bridge, Lake District

This is a small and usually very popular car park with around 15 spaces. Bring your camera, as this is probably the most photographed packhorse bridge in the Lakes. If you want a clear shot, you'll need to turn up early - or maybe late! Pay-by-phone is available here.

How to get here

  • Postcode: CA12 5UN (please note that in rural locations post codes often cover a wide area - so don't believe the SatNav, look for the signs!)
  • Grid ref: NY269196
  • Find us on Google Maps

Driving from the lakeside in the Borowdale Valley, the road up to Ashenss Bridge is steep and narrow with passing places. However the rewards are obvious as this extremely popular viewpoint looks out over Derwent Water with spectacular views extending to Bassenthwaite Lake and taking in the River Derwent.

Car parking charges for Borrowdale

How much does it cost to park?

National Trust members can scan to park for free, but if you’re not a member don't forget some change as due to our rural location there is very limited mobile signal which means we can't take card or phone payment at all our car parks. Every penny directly funds our work in the valley to care for wildlife, walls, paths, cottages and farms.

Have you got your walking boots in the car?

Ashness Bridge car park is a great starting point for a walk to Walla Crag, Surprise View or Lodore Falls - download our walking trail below or if you're lucky you might find one of our volunteers in the nearby Barkhouse Mountain Base bothy who could offer you a cuppa and some top tips on where to have your picnic (the bothy is open on an ad hoc basis, so we cannot guarantee it will be manned when you visit).

Bark House bothy and Ashness Bridge, Keswick
Walking trail

Walla Crag to Ashness Bridge walk 

Enjoy magnificent views in every season on this walk over Derwent Water, the ‘Jewel of the Lake District’.

Take a wonderful scenic walk
Explore with a MPV

Access Statements for Borrowdale 

Need more information to help you decide if a car park's the right place to start your day out?

Park up and boost conservation work in Borrowdale

Whether you are a member who scans your card (we get £1 from central funds every time you do) or a non-member who pays for a ticket, every penny you generate in this car park goes to help us take care of this special place, so thank you.

Read about how our woodland ranger has been managing the woodlands for wildlife in this area over the last 20 years:

Maurice Pankhurst woodland ranger
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Learning not to rush - woodland regeneration

Twenty years ago, forester Maurice Pankhurst looked out across Derwent Water. At one end of the lake he saw Great Wood, and at the other Ashness Wood. It suddenly struck him that these two ancient woodlands could, and should, be joined up.