Rosthwaite Round, fells, tarn and beck walk

Lake District

A view of Johnny Wood at Rosthwaite in Borrowdale and Derwent Water, Cumbria | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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 Water

Start point

Rosthwaite National Trust car park, grid ref: NY257148

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 5.25 (km: 8.4)

Duration3 hours 15 mins to 4 hours 40 mins

Dog friendly**

*A long walk over mixed terrain. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Dogs welcome under close control. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

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.

Address
Rosthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XB
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
From Keswick foreshore (NY263225) follow lakeside footpath to Lodore Hotel. Follow road to Grange, cross river by bridge and join southbound path on left (Allerdale Ramble). At NY250165, path splits, take left path through the wood and follow River Derwent to Rosthwaite.
By ferry
Ferry from Keswick to Lodore Hotel, then follow foot directions.
By bus
Borrowdale Rambler 77/77A and 78, Stagecoach Keswick Bus Station to Borrowdale, every 30 minutes.
Cycling
From Keswick take B5289 Borrowdale Road to Rosthwaite.
By road
From Keswick take B5289 Borrowdale Road to Rosthwaite. Turn right in village and park in National Trust car park.
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.
Watendlath
The tiny hamlet of Watendlath is set high between the Borrowdale and Thirlmere valleys, 847ft (258m) above sea level and is cared for by the National Trust. The name Watendlath derives from Old Norse 'vatn-endi-hlaoa', meaning water-end barn. Located in a classic hanging valley, it is surrounded by fells and sits on the edge of the serene Watendlath Tarn – a popular fly fishing water stocked with rainbow and brown trout. King Charles (then The Prince of Wales) visited in 1995 – spot the commemorative plaque on the bridge. Stop for refreshments at the Caffle Tea-room and enjoy the tranquillity and 360-degree views.
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.
Resting Stones and Six Sisters
On the ascent, stop to contemplate the view down into the Derwent Valley from one of the many suitably named 'Resting Stones'. From the Six Sisters, you will see one of the best panoramas in the Lake District. Take in the sweeping views across Buttermere to Rosthwaite and the Seathwaite Valley, and look out for Glaramara, Base Brown, Grey Knotts, and the summits of Green and Great Gable to your left. A little further on, you'll pass Birkett's Leap, a small mound overlooking a tree-filled ravine.
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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