Borrowdale is both a valley in the mountainous centre of Cumbria’s Lake District, and a small village and wider parish within that valley. The valley runs from the village of Grange at the southern tip of Derwentwater south to Seathwaite. For those not willing or able to face the many walks in the valley the scenic B5289 runs through it, but this is hiking country – there is even an annual fell race here for the truly hardy. Those wanting to explore the heights should consult Wainwright – Borrowdale was for him Lakeland’s “fairest valley”. The Allendale Ramble, a hike of nearly 60 miles, runs from Borrowdale north to the coast, ending at Silloth. The Cumbria Way leads through the valley. And there are many more walks major and minor to be explored here. The valley was remote until a road was built in 1842, but in spite of this it was an area of industrial activity from Neolithic times (supposedly a trade route back then) onwards, with copper mines and iron smelting, and in Tudor days the discovery of graphite, first used for shot-moulds and later exploited for pencil-lead. As well as the towering crags on high there is much to be seen here: Grange’s elegant bridge, built in 1675; the Bowder Stone, all 1970 tons of it (complete with hole bored through by a Victorian vandal); the Jaws of Borrowdale where sheer cliffs flank the river; Castle Crag and its Roman fort remnants; wonderful oak woods; the remaining three great yews of Wordsworth’s “Great Four of Borrowdale”, the list runs on. It is telling that Brandlehow Woods here were the National Trust’s first acquisition in Lakeland. The Trust now has almost 30,000 acres in the area, and any visitor will quickly see why the investment has been made.
Inn
Activities
Platty & Limited(Water Sports)
Places to Stay near Borrowdale
Borrowdale Gates Country House Hotel (0.12 miles)
Gently cradled in the Lake District’s most dramatic valley, Borrowdale Gates holds a south-facing view down the epic ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’, which Wainwright once described as “…the most beautiful square mile in Lakeland.”
Nestled beneath ... More | visit website
Leathes Head Hotel (0.64 miles)
Magnificent Edwardian Country House Hotel set in 3 acres of lawns & woodland, offering peaceful & tranquil surroundings, beautiful views and some of the best walking in th country. Our ... More
Lodore Falls Hotel (0.76 miles)
Overlooking Derwentwater, this elegant hotel is set within 40 acres of beautiful Lake District countryside, making it the ideal base for exploring the stunning scenery. Situated next to woodland trails and ... More
Manesty Holiday Cottages (0.77 miles)
Mary Mount Hotel (1.34 miles)
Mary Mount is a family run Hotel which offers a peaceful country house atmosphere. We are situated in 4.5 acres of woodland gardens, skirted by Lodore Beck on the shores ... More
Scafell Hotel (1.83 miles)
The Scafell Hotel is located in the very heart of Borrowdale, considered by many as England's finest valley. The hotel is surrounded by mighty fells, tranquil meadows and crystal clear waters. The ... More
Swinside Lodge Hotel (2.16 miles)
Swinside Lodge Country House Hotel is a unique Georgian Lakeland property set in its own gardens situated at the foot of Cat Bells in the beautiful Newlands Valley. It is surrounded by fells - Skiddaw, ... More | visit website
Derwent Bank (3.20 miles)
Derwent Bank, half a mile south of the village of Portinscale, is an idyllically situated Country House hotel. Its extensive grounds slope to the shores of Derwent Water, with hills ... More
Highfield Hotel & Restaurant (3.55 miles)
Situated in the small market town of Keswick in the heart of England’s Lake District, this award winning hotel and restaurant offers magnificent Lakeside views and highly acclaimed cuisine. Highfield Hotel & ... More | visit website
Ferndene Guest House (3.56 miles)
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