Rosthwaite Round, fells, tarn and beck walk
This favourite walk of National Trust rangers will take you to a Borrowdale gem, the hamlet of Watendlath. Along the way, you'll discover oak woodland, two tarns (mountain ponds) and stunning Lakeland views.
Near to
Borrowdale and Derwent WaterStart point
Rosthwaite National Trust car park, grid ref: NY257148Trail information
Spend a few peaceful moments by the side of Dock Tarn
The route follows the track up to Watendlath, before heading to Dock Tarn and descending to the dale of Stonethwaite. Stop for a rest at Dock Tarn and you’ll be able to see the calm waters of the tarn, surrounded by reeds, heather and bilberry-clad tarn slopes.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Rosthwaite National Trust car park, grid ref: NY257148
Stage 1
From the starting point, walk back to the main road, turn left and immediate right. Follow the path over the bridge and head up the path signed to Watendlath.
Stage 2
Follow the path up the hill, past a group of trees known locally as the Six Sisters (five Scots pine and a yew). Keep on the bridleway all the way until the white-painted farm at Watendlath beckons you to a well earned rest and some home-cooked fare.
Stage 3
After visiting the hamlet, retrace your route for a short distance, then fork left around the tarn, following the signs for Dock Tarn. Over a couple of small fords and kissing gates, follow the path and the well-signed route to Dock Tarn.
Stage 4
Wander along the right-hand side of Dock Tarn and follow the path to a favourite local viewpoint. There's a fantastic vista of Greenup Edge to your left, Glaramara summit ahead, the gorgeous Langstrath Valley and a view to Honister, Haystacks and Pillar.
Stage 5
From the summit follow the winding pitched path (maintained by Fix the Fells volunteers and donations) downwards. The path leads you past an old building and into the old oak wood that is Lingy End.
Stage 6
As the slope eases at Willygrass Gill, cross the wall through a wooden stile to reach a stone stile. Cross another wall and leave the wood behind for a grassy slope to the track. Follow the track past the Stonethwaite bridge (unless your destination is the Langstrath Inn for a pint) and follow the Stonethwaite Beck back to Rosthwaite Bridge and the lane returning to the road.
End point
Rosthwaite National Trust car park, grid ref: NY257148
Trail map
Map route for Rosthwaite Round, fells, tarn and beck walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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