Borrowdale Wood

Wood, Forest in Westmorland South Lakeland

England

Borrowdale Wood

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

Borrowdale Wood is a picturesque woodland situated in the county of Westmorland, England. Spanning over a vast area, the wood is a part of the larger Borrowdale Forest, which covers several square miles of land. The wood is located near the village of Borrowdale, which is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and tranquil atmosphere.

This ancient woodland is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, ash, and birch. The trees create a dense canopy, providing shade and shelter for a variety of wildlife. The forest floor is covered in a thick carpet of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the enchanting beauty of the wood.

Borrowdale Wood is a haven for nature enthusiasts and walkers, offering a network of well-maintained paths that wind their way through the forest. These pathways provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the wood's hidden corners, discover secluded glades, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The wood is also home to an array of wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Visitors may catch a glimpse of elusive creatures such as red squirrels, roe deer, and various species of woodland birds.

Borrowdale Wood attracts visitors all year round, with each season offering its own unique charm. In spring, the wood bursts into life with blossoming flowers and the arrival of migratory birds. Summer brings a vibrant green canopy and the chance to spot fledglings. Autumn transforms the wood into a tapestry of golden hues, while winter offers a peaceful and serene landscape, often dusted with a light covering of snow.

Overall, Borrowdale Wood in Westmorland is a captivating destination that showcases the natural beauty and biodiversity of the British countryside.

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Borrowdale Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.406619/-2.6125935 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