Keswick & Borrowdale Walks

Keswick is the capital of the northern Lakes. It is a busy market town on the shore of Derwentwater, ringed by famous fells including Skiddaw, Blencathra and Catbells. South of the lake lies Borrowdale, often called the most beautiful valley in England. It is a place of ancient oakwoods, crystal-clear river pools and dramatic crags, and it forms part of one of England's rare temperate rainforests.

Why walk here

Borrowdale offers superb walking whatever the weather. Our Castle Crag walk climbs the smallest of all the Wainwrights, a rugged little rock peak guarding the "Jaws of Borrowdale". It passes the cave where the eccentric Millican Dalton spent his summers, and ends at a war-memorial summit with a superb view down Derwentwater to Skiddaw. Because it is low, it stays clear on many days when the higher tops are lost in cloud.

The valley is also the gateway to some of the Lake District's biggest days. The Borrowdale route to Scafell Pike starts at Seathwaite, and a short drive over Honister Pass leads to Buttermere.

Getting there and around

Keswick has excellent bus links. The 555 runs south through Grasmere and Ambleside to Windermere and Kendal. The 78 Borrowdale bus runs up the valley through Rosthwaite to Seatoller, making a car-free Borrowdale day easy. In season, the 77/77A Honister Rambler loops from Keswick to Buttermere. Timetables vary through the year, so check before travelling. Keswick Launch boats also circle Derwentwater, calling at several landing stages useful for walkers.

Where to base yourself

Keswick has the full range of shops, pubs, restaurants and accommodation. Borrowdale itself has characterful inns, campsites and guesthouses at Rosthwaite, Grange and Seatoller. Rosthwaite has a tearoom and toilets, and Grange a well-loved café by the bridge.

When to visit

Autumn is spectacular in Borrowdale, when the oakwoods turn gold and mist often lingers in the valley on cold, still mornings. Spring brings fresh green and quieter paths. Summer is busy, so arrive early at Rosthwaite and other popular car parks. In winter, low-level walks like Castle Crag are rewarding, but slate paths can be icy.

More to explore

The quieter valleys of Buttermere and Crummock Water lie just over Honister Pass. See our Buttermere guide. Ullswater and Aira Force are a short drive east in our Ullswater guide. All our summit walks are gathered in the Wainwright walks collection.