Borrowdale Loop: Bowder Stone & River Derwent
On the Bank of the River Derwent
At the heart of the Lake District, you will find the Borrowdale valley. Idyllic, yet spectacular, this varied landscape starts with England’s highest peaks, and ends with open plains that surround the southern end of Derwent Water. Near the centre of the valley, the surrounding peaks draw close, and the valley narrows, creating an imposing gorge that is known as the Jaws of Borrowdale.
This walk begins in the Jaws of Borrowdale, and takes you on a circular route around part of the valley, taking in part of the Cumbria Way. It is a low level walk, and there are two opportunities for a visit to a café, making it ideal for when the weather is not favourable for being up on the fells. There are plenty of opportunities here for dogs to be walked off lead, but it should be noted that a significant portion of the walk is also along a road. Although the walk is low level, there are steps in places and the path has been experienced significant water damage at some points, so if you are using an all-terrain pushchair you will need to be prepared to carry it over some sections. There is plenty to keep children occupied along the way, including a 2,000 tonne boulder, caves, and a river that lends itself perfectly for paddling.
Quick Facts
Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 2-3 hours with children
Terrain: Mixture of rocky and level paths, roadside
Suitable For: Dogs, Children aged 4+, Babies and Toddlers in Carriers, All-Terrain Pushchairs (with two adults prepared to carry it)
Parking: National Trust car park at Bowder Stone; Postcode for Satnav is CA12 5XA; Pay and display; NT members can park for free but must scan their membership card for a ticket
Facilities: Cafés and toilets at Grange and Rosthwaite
The Start of the Walk – Bowder Stone Car Park
The Path Leading from the Car Park
For the purposes of this guide, the walk begins at the Bowder Stone car park, although you can also start the walk at Grange or Rosthwaite. The car park is located just off the B5289 that leads from Keswick, and is approximately half a mile south of Grange. It is clearly signposted from the road. The car park is pay and display. National Trust members can park here for free, but do need to scan their membership card to be issued a ticket. The walk starts at the bottom of the car park, back towards the road, where there is a path clearly signposted for Bowder Stone.
The Bowder Stone
The Bowder Stone
The path leads down towards the road with a small set of steps, before leading up again into the woodland. There is a gate to go through, and the path is fairly level and well-maintained on this section. You can let dogs off here. After a few minutes, you will reach the Bowder Stone. The stone is a 2,000 tonne boulder that is believed to have fallen from the crags of Kings How over 10,000 years ago. It is 9m high and a set of wooden steps will take you to the top of the stone. Young children should be very closely supervised at the top, and care should be taken in wet weather. There is no fencing at the top and the stone can be slippery.
Leaving Bowder Stone
The Path from Bowder Stone
The path continues past the stone. The path is very uneven here, and in wet weather, you will find a steam flowing down the path. There is a lot of erosion and loose rock. If you are using an all-terrain pushchair you will certainly need to carry it over significant sections of this path. After a few hundred metres, you will reach a gate, leading back onto the B5289.
The Road to Rosthwaite
The View Toward Watendlath from the Road
Go through the gate. Cross over the road, and turn left to walk towards Rosthwaite. Dogs will need to be put on a lead here. Children will need to be closely supervised. Traffic here is slow moving due to the nature of the road, but in peak season, you will encounter a number of cars. For the most part, there is a small path that runs alongside the road, and you need to cross the road on a number of occasions to remain on the path. After one-mile, you will arrive at Rosthwaite.
Rosthwaite
The Flock-In Tea Room
Upon arrival at Rosthwaite, you will see a turning on your right signposted for a car park. Take this turning. The lane will lead you past some public toilets and a car park, as well as a number of buildings. The lane narrows, and you will come to a fork, where on the right hand side you will see The Flock-In Tea Room. A sign indicates that the right hand fork leads to the footpath to Grange. Take the right hand fork and this track will lead you out of the village.
The Stone Bridge
Looking Toward the “Jaws of Borrowdale” from the Path
You are now on the Cumbria Way. You can let your dog off lead at this point. As the track leaves, the village it becomes narrower. It follows a field boundary before arriving at a wall, where it turns sharply right. On the other side of the wall, you will be able to see the River Derwent. Continue following the wall and the river, and you will reach a stone bridge. Go over the bridge, stopping to look for trolls and play pooh sticks if you have children. Once over the bridge turn right.
Through the Farmland
The Fork in the Path
After a short distance you will see two gates ahead. Take the right hand gate and you will now be on a path that leads through a farm field. You will need to put your dog back on the lead this point as this field is usually occupied by grazing sheep. Follow the path with the river now on your right. You will then come to a fork in the path. If you are using an OS map it will appear that you need to take the right fork, however, this quickly becomes impassable. Instead, take the left fork that leads away from the river. Go past a gate on the left with a footpath leading up the fell. You will then come to another gate at the other end of the field.
The Cave
The Cave
Go through the gate, and you are now free to let your dog off the lead once more. You will now be in a stretch of woodland known as High Hows Wood. You will find once again that the path becomes uneven, and if you are using an all terrain pushchair you will need to carry it over a number of sections. After about 500 metres, there is a small path leading off to the left and you will be able to spot a large cave. It is possible to walk directly into the cave, but of course, it is worth bearing in mind the risks associated with any possible falling rock, etc.
The River Derwent
On the Bank of the River Derwent
The path continues to wind through the woodland. You will pass through a hole in a wall, and then a turning on the left that leads up to the abandoned quarry. A signpost marks the way to Grange at this point. Pass through another hole in the wall, and the path now begins to descend slightly, and re-joins the side of the river. There are various paddling points along this stretch, and it’s also a great place to spot the numerous species of wildlife that dwell on the river.
The Pebble Beach
The Footbridge Over the River
You will come to a gate with a bench next to it. Go through the gate. After a short distance, you will come to a footbridge that you will need to cross. Once over, you will see on your right that there is a large pebbled area leading down to the river. This is a popular picnic spot and is great for paddling.
Leaving the Woodland
The Track Near the Campside
After you have passed the pebbled beach area, the track becomes wider. You will find yourself walking alongside a campsite on your left, and you may want to consider leashing your dog at this point. The track eventually turns to tarmac. Keep right when it forks, and at the end of the track turn right onto the road that is signposted for Grange.
Grange & Returning to Bowder Stone
The River Derwent from Grange Bridge
The road leads you directly into Grange. Here you will find toilets and a café with a sheltered outdoor seating area that welcomes dogs. Ice cream is available here. Once you have finished in Grange, carry on along the road that will take you onto a bridge over the river Derwent. Turn right at the end of the bridge onto the road once more. There is a small narrow pathway along the roadside all the way back to the Bowder Stone car park.