Borrowdale.
Borrowdale sits six miles south of Keswick along the B5289, roughly a two-hour drive from Newcastle or ninety minutes from Carlisle via the A66. The valley is famous for its temperate Atlantic oak rainforest, rugged slate quarries, and working Herdwick sheep farms beneath the highest fells in England. Borrowdale is worth visiting if you want serious fell walking, wet-weather oak woods, and pub suppers of local mutton by an open hearth. Look elsewhere if you want shopping streets, predictable sunshine, or late-night entertainment.
Last updated 17 Oct 2026
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What to do in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Borrowdale unrolls south from Derwentwater along a single winding road connecting tiny hamlets like Grange, Rosthwaite, and Stonethwaite. Daily life runs on boot laces, weather reports, and farm gates. Walkers head high onto the fells while others take sheltered paths through wet mossy woods. It suits active travellers, fell runners, and anyone content with quiet evenings beside a peat-scented hearth after a soaking on the hills.
24 hours in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Catch the 78 bus from Keswick to Grange, walk along the Derwent to Rosthwaite, and ascend the steep steps of Castle Crag before noon. Eat a thick slice of Cumberland sausage with mash at the Scafell Hotel, then spend two afternoon hours climbing the wooden ladder at the Bowder Stone before catching the return bus. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Devote day two to the heights. Walk out from Seathwaite Farm up the stony track to Styhead Tarn and the rocky plateau of Great Gable. Return down the Langstrath valley for a quiet pint of bitter and a bowl of lamb stew at the Langstrath Country Inn in Stonethwaite, where the drystone walls keep out the valley damp. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
A third day lets you tackle Honister Pass. Head up to the high slate mine for a guided mine tour, then drop down the western road into Buttermere for a flat five-mile circuit around the lake. Finish with smoked trout and local damson gin in the village before returning through the Borrowdale narrows as the light fades.
Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom itineraries by interest
Hiking in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Tackle the rocky scramble up Castle Crag, climb Great Gable from Seathwaite, or join the long path to Scafell Pike along Styhead Tarn.
Forest Walks in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Walk beneath mossy sessile oaks in Johnny Wood and Great Wood, prime examples of temperate Celtic rainforest thriving on heavy fell rainfall.
Country Pubs in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Order pints of Loweswater Gold and slow-braised Herdwick lamb hotpot beside the slate fire at the Scafell Hotel in Rosthwaite or the Riverside Bar.
Local Produce in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Taste salt-marsh Herdwick mutton, Cumberland sausage seasoned with black pepper, and spicy gingerbread brought south from the Grasmere ovens.
Industrial Heritage in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Explore Honister Slate Mine at the top of the pass for underground tours of working Westmorland green slate veins worked since 1643.
River & Lake Walks in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Follow the River Derwent from Grange down to the southern marshes of Derwentwater, crossing the double-arched stone bridge at Grange.
Wild Swimming in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Dip into clear plunge pools along the River Derwent at Black Moss Pot in Langstrath or swim in the quiet south end of Derwentwater.
Scenic Drives in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Drive the narrow B5289 through the jaws of the valley and up the steep 1-in-4 gradient of Honister Pass towards Buttermere.
Village Life in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Wander between the drystone cottages of Rosthwaite, Stonethwaite, and Grange, where working sheep farms border quiet riverside tea rooms.
Geological Sights in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Visit the Bowder Stone, a 2,000-ton volcanic boulder perched on edge with its historic wooden ladder, left behind by melting glaciers.
Afternoon Tea in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Stop for buttered fruit scones and pots of loose-leaf tea in the converted barns of Grange in Borrowdale and riverside gardens in Rosthwaite.
Rock Climbing in Borrowdale Cumbria United Kingdom
Scale classic British traditional routes on the volcanic rhyolite cliffs of Shepherd's Crag and the massive, exposed face of Black Crag.