Find your perfect Borrowdale walk

Whether you want a family-friendly stroll or something a little more challenging, Borrowdale really has got it all.

Adults and two children taking an autumn walk amongst the trees

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Many historic houses are open in England. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. In line with Welsh Government legislation, all places in Wales will close from 24 October to 9 November. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Read this article to find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

Plan your visit
woman walking along old miners track towards Castle Crag
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Castle Crag from Seatoller - the scenic route

Castle Crag was dedicated as a memorial after the First World War. The route from Seatoller, after an initial climb, follows an undulating contour route giving you great views right down the valley.

Get directions
Stone bench and green grass in foreground with lake and mountains in background
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Peace How from High Brandelhow Jetty

Peace How is a tiny hill near Derwent Water, gifted in 1917 so that those affected by the hardships of the First World War could come and experience peace and tranquility

Download the walk
Thorneythwaite valley with Thorneythwaite feel on the left, Borrowdale
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Thorneythwaite picnic and waterfall walk

Discover a hidden valley and the perfect picnic spot beside a cascading fall

Pack up your lunch and step this way
Cairn on Castle Crag overlooking Upper Borrowdale, Cumbria.
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Borger Dalr geology walk, Borrowdale

Explore the origins of Borrowdale as you walk from Bowder Stone car park to Castle Crag, an area that has been described as ‘the finest square mile in Lakeland’.

Stretch your legs at Borrowdale
Boats and ducks on Watendlath Tarn, Lake District
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Rosthwaite Round, fells, tarn and beck walk

Along this favourite walk that takes you to a Borrowdale gem - the hamlet of Watendlath, you'll discover oak woodland, two tarns (mountain ponds) and stunning Lakeland views.

Get some fresh air in the Lake District
Skiddaw from Cat Bells Terrace Path

Beatrix Potter's Viewpoints 

Stand in the footprints of artist and author Beatrix Potter, and see the views that inspired her creativity

Download the trail map
Sourmilk Ghyll in spate, Seathwaite, Cumbria
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Seatoller to Sty Head and Grains Gill walk

This invigorating walk takes you into the heart of the Lake District hills on an ancient pack horse route with stunning mountain views.

Get your walking boots on
Bark House bothy and Ashness Bridge, Keswick
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

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
Trees over hanging the River Derwent in Borrowdale
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Downstream to Derwent walk

Follow Hause Gill from its source high on Honister Pass, as it joins the River Derwent and continues on to the village of Grange in Borrowdale.

Discover a variety of wildlife
The bench at the viewpoint at Friar's Crag, Derwent Water with hills reflected in the lake
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Summer star gazing walk at Friar’s Crag

On a clear night leave the bright lights of Keswick behind for a short walk at Friar's Crag, a magical location for both stargazing and wildlife spotting.

Be dazzled by the night sky
The Memorial Stone in Brandelhow Park, commemorating the first National Trust acquisition in the Lake District
Borrowdale and Derwent Water   Cumbria

Octavia Hill walk at Brandelhow Park, Derwent Water

An easy lakeside amble along Derwent Water in the Lake District, following in the footsteps of National Trust co-founder Octavia Hill.

Take a stroll along Derwent Water
Family and dogs walking in Stonethwaite, Borrowdale

Way-marked trails and approachable fells 

Borrowdale is a great place to walk in the Lake District without leaving civilisation too far behind, especially with our easy to follow way-marked trails.

Find your perfect path