Borrow Dale

Valley in Westmorland South Lakeland

England

Borrow Dale

Dyke on Birk Knott Roundthwaite Common. — Dyke on Birk Knott Credit: Richard Webb

Borrowdale is a picturesque valley located in the county of Westmorland, in the Lake District National Park, England. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, Borrowdale attracts visitors from all over the world.

The valley is nestled between towering mountains, with the River Derwent meandering through its heart. The landscape is defined by lush greenery, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes. The iconic peaks of Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Glaramara provide a dramatic backdrop to the valley.

Borrowdale is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. Hiking is particularly popular, with numerous scenic trails to explore, including the famous Catbells and Castle Crag. The valley is also a paradise for climbers, who are drawn to its challenging crags and cliffs.

Aside from its natural attractions, Borrowdale boasts a rich cultural heritage. The valley is dotted with charming villages and historic landmarks, such as the 17th-century Bowder Stone and the medieval Castle Crag. The nearby Honister Slate Mine provides a glimpse into the area's industrial past.

Visitors to Borrowdale can enjoy a range of amenities, including cozy pubs, quaint tea rooms, and traditional inns. The valley is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, otters, and a wide array of bird species.

In conclusion, Borrowdale in Westmorland is a stunning valley in the heart of the Lake District National Park. With its breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Borrow Dale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.408272/-2.6127106 or Grid Reference NY6001. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dyke on Birk Knott

Roundthwaite Common.

Richard Webb

ATV tracks, Roundthwaite Common

The ridge north of Borrowdale.

Richard Webb

Casterfell Hill

Richard Webb

Newly planted woodland, Roundthwaite

Very recent tree planting on enclosed farmland.

Richard Webb

Frost, Roundthwaite

A track to or from Borrowdale.

Richard Webb

Dyke, Birk Knott

The land to the right had just been planted with trees.

Richard Webb

Dripping hawthorn

Drizzly days when the water runs off the track and drips from the trees are also ideal for greying out the background and showing the silhouette of a bare tree. Of several Hawthorns and Ash trees along the way, this one was the most aesthetically pleasing in its context, which is the bottom end of Barrowdale, a valley I've visited twice to look at the Beck, but haven't yet managed to paddle it. At this point it is some way below the path (which is a public bridleway at this point) and barely visible, but a lack of noise suggests nothing too serious in the way of rapids lie hidden down there.

Andy Waddington

The start of the fun, Borrow Beck

Down to about the limit of this view, Borrow Beck rarely rises above grade 2, but here the valley starts to entrench a little and beck becomes steeper and more sporting at grade 3 with perhaps the odd bit of 4. To paddle the full trip from High Borrow Bridge (by the A6 - involving a very long road shuttle compared with the length of the paddle) would need quite a bit more water than this as the channel is wider and shallower, but from here, for 2½ kilometres down to a take-out close to the confluence with the River Lune, you could just about bounce down at this level. With some proper rain rather than today's half-hearted drizzle, it looks like being a worthwhile trip and the first kilometre of the track is public road, making a carry-in with the boat over your shoulder for the kilometre or so to the bridge here not entirely unreasonable. The course from here is somewhat tree-lined, however, so the usual caveats about running blind round bends apply, especially after the sort of stormy winter we've just had.

Andy Waddington