Borrowdale

Heritage Site in Cumberland Allerdale

England

Borrowdale

Path climbing to Dale Head The public footpath which climbs the fellside from Honister Hause to the summit of Dale Head.
Path climbing to Dale Head Credit: Graham Robson

Borrowdale is a picturesque valley located in the Lake District National Park in Cumberland, England. It is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The valley stretches approximately 11 kilometers from the southern end of Derwentwater to the hamlet of Seatoller.

The landscape of Borrowdale is characterized by steep slopes, craggy mountains, and lush greenery. The valley is surrounded by towering peaks, including the famous Cat Bells, Great Gable, and Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain. The River Derwent meanders through the valley, adding to its charm and providing opportunities for activities such as fishing and boating.

Borrowdale is a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers, offering numerous trails that cater to all levels of experience. The valley is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare species such as red squirrels and ospreys. The rich biodiversity of the area has led to it being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

In addition to its natural beauty, Borrowdale is steeped in history and heritage. The valley boasts several ancient stone circles, such as Castlerigg, which dates back to the Neolithic period. There are also remnants of old mining activities that took place in the area during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Borrowdale's charm has inspired many artists, writers, and poets throughout history. The valley has been depicted in numerous paintings and literary works, including poems by William Wordsworth. Today, visitors can explore the valley's beauty through various activities, such as walking, rock climbing, and simply immersing themselves in the tranquil surroundings.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Borrowdale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.53/-3.198 or Grid Reference NY2215. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Path climbing to Dale Head The public footpath which climbs the fellside from Honister Hause to the summit of Dale Head.
Path climbing to Dale Head
The public footpath which climbs the fellside from Honister Hause to the summit of Dale Head.
Dale Head summit The windswept summit of Dale Head which sits at the head of the Newlands valley.
Dale Head summit
The windswept summit of Dale Head which sits at the head of the Newlands valley.
Path on Hindscarth Edge Looking along the path which follows the top of the ridge between the summits of Dale Head and Hindscarth.
Path on Hindscarth Edge
Looking along the path which follows the top of the ridge between the summits of Dale Head and Hindscarth.
Newlands Valley Looking down into the Newlands valley from Hindscarth Edge. The precipitous crags on the western flanks of High Spy and Maiden Moor can be seen on the far side of the valley.
Newlands Valley
Looking down into the Newlands valley from Hindscarth Edge. The precipitous crags on the western flanks of High Spy and Maiden Moor can be seen on the far side of the valley.
Hindscarth Crags Looking towards Hindscarth Crags on the eastern flank of Hindscarth fell from the footpath crossing Hindscarth Edge between Dale Head and the aforementioned fell top.
Hindscarth Crags
Looking towards Hindscarth Crags on the eastern flank of Hindscarth fell from the footpath crossing Hindscarth Edge between Dale Head and the aforementioned fell top.
Hindscarth Edge Looking along the narrow ridge top between the fell summits of Dale Head and Hindscarth.
Hindscarth Edge
Looking along the narrow ridge top between the fell summits of Dale Head and Hindscarth.
Shelter on Hindscarth One of two shelters at or near the top of Hindscarth. This one is positioned at the northern end of the short summit ridge at a point that permits panoramic views into the valleys below.
Shelter on Hindscarth
One of two shelters at or near the top of Hindscarth. This one is positioned at the northern end of the short summit ridge at a point that permits panoramic views into the valleys below.
Hindscarth summit The highest point on Hindscarth is marked by a roughly built shelter. It is smaller than the shelter located to the north which has better views but is lower.
Hindscarth summit
The highest point on Hindscarth is marked by a roughly built shelter. It is smaller than the shelter located to the north which has better views but is lower.
Path on Littledale Edge Looking along the path on the grassy ridge linking the high ground of Hindscarth and Robinson.
Path on Littledale Edge
Looking along the path on the grassy ridge linking the high ground of Hindscarth and Robinson.
Littledale Edge The path descending Littledale Edge from the summit of Hindscarth.
Littledale Edge
The path descending Littledale Edge from the summit of Hindscarth.
Dalehead Tarn Beautiful spot high up on the hills.
Dalehead Tarn
Beautiful spot high up on the hills.
Crags on Hindscarth Edge Leaving Dale Head.
Crags on Hindscarth Edge
Leaving Dale Head.
Grey stones on Hindscarth. Leaving the summit of Hindscarth.
Grey stones on Hindscarth.
Leaving the summit of Hindscarth.
Sheepfold by Newlands Beck Squat Knotts and Hindscarth are in the background.
Sheepfold by Newlands Beck
Squat Knotts and Hindscarth are in the background.
Waterfall below Dalehead Crags Newlands Beck falls 250m from Dale Head Tarn in about 1km horizontal distance. 
This fall appears to have the greatest drop.
Waterfall below Dalehead Crags
Newlands Beck falls 250m from Dale Head Tarn in about 1km horizontal distance. This fall appears to have the greatest drop.
Waterfall, Newlands Beck Newlands Beck falls 250m from Dale Head Tarn in about 1km horizontal distance.
Waterfall, Newlands Beck
Newlands Beck falls 250m from Dale Head Tarn in about 1km horizontal distance.
Sheepfold, Newlands Valley Newlands Beck flows from left to right, immediately beyond the sheepfold, and in front of the spoil heap on the left. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4559885">NY2216 : Sheepfold in Newlands Valley</a> & <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/283877">NY2216 : A Newlands fold</a> for wider views.
Sheepfold, Newlands Valley
Newlands Beck flows from left to right, immediately beyond the sheepfold, and in front of the spoil heap on the left. See NY2216 : Sheepfold in Newlands Valley & NY2216 : A Newlands fold for wider views.
Honister Pass - 1959 Looking southeastwards up the pass [B5289], with Gatesgarthdale Beck on the right, and the steep slopes of Yew Crag [left] and Honister Crag [right] coming down to narrow the pass. The car was a state-of-the-art Morris 1000 [rental, even in those days, no expense spared for the honeymoon!].
Honister Pass - 1959
Looking southeastwards up the pass [B5289], with Gatesgarthdale Beck on the right, and the steep slopes of Yew Crag [left] and Honister Crag [right] coming down to narrow the pass. The car was a state-of-the-art Morris 1000 [rental, even in those days, no expense spared for the honeymoon!].
Show me another place!

Borrowdale is located at Grid Ref: NY2215 (Lat: 54.53, Lng: -3.198)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Allerdale

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///rebirth.glare.purse. Near Keswick, Cumbria

Related Wikis

Dale Head

Dale Head is a fell in the north-western sector of the Lake District, in northern England. It is 753 metres or 2,470 foot above sea level and stands immediately...

High Spy

High Spy is a fell in the English Lake District it is situated on the ridge that separates the Newlands Valley from Borrowdale, eight kilometres (five...

Hindscarth

Hindscarth is a mountain between the valleys of Buttermere and Newlands, in the north-western part of the English Lake District. The fell's name is derived...

Honister Pass

Honister Pass is a mountain pass in the Lake District in Cumbria, England. It is located on the B5289 road, linking Seatoller, in the valley of Borrowdale...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.53,-3.198
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 54.5329465/-3.201054
Dale Head Copper Mine
Abandoned: yes
Historic: mine
Mineral: Copper
Lat/Long: 54.5288381/-3.2002931
Dale Head
Ele: 753
Natural: peak
Source: GPX
Source Name: NPE
Wikidata: Q5210476
Wikipedia: en:Dale Head
Lat/Long: 54.5272248/-3.2022221
Man Made: cairn
Lat/Long: 54.5272307/-3.2020225
Abandoned: yes
Direction: 180
Man Made: adit
Resource: copper
Lat/Long: 54.5287115/-3.2003086
Direction: 170
Man Made: adit
Resource: copper
Lat/Long: 54.5291325/-3.1997876
Great Gable
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 54.5304998/-3.2002979
Abandoned: yes
Direction: 180
Fixme: The third adit is approx here up the slopes
Man Made: adit
Resource: copper
Lat/Long: 54.5283434/-3.200287
Waterway: waterfall
Lat/Long: 54.5292062/-3.1997934
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 54.5307841/-3.2036184
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Borrowdale?

Leave your review of Borrowdale below (or comments, questions and feedback).