Wainwright described one part of the Borrowdale Valley as “...the loveliest square mile in Lakeland”. The Borrowdale Valley has some of the most famous fells in the Lake District and is most notably flanked by the dramatic peaks of Scafell Pike and Skiddaw. A truly mesmerising location and the reason that the Borrowdale Valley has some of the UK’s most stunning fell walks. The Wainwright walks in the area can be found in the “Western Fells” edition of his famous pictorial guides to the Lakeland Fells. These range from the daunting Scafell Pike walk to the easier Catbells walk, the latter being one of the most picturesque of all Wainwright’s walks.

Scafell Pike can be done from a number of starting points and routes. One of the most documented is from Seathwaite. This is around a ten mile walk of strenuous proportions. Constant care is needed both up and down with a fair amount of scrambling and navigating through the many boulders. Once at the top, the view cannot be surpassed. Wast Water, Sca Fell, Foxes Tarn and Mickledore down the full length of the Borrowdale Valley.

Keswick is in the centre of the some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK. On one side there is Skiddaw loaming over at an incredible height of 3054 feet above sea level, the fourth highest mountain in the Lake District and on the other side the tranquillity of Derwentwater. Skiddaw dominates the skyline around this area and is a sight to behold. It is not craggy like many Lakeland fells but somewhat undulating.

Over the other side and the picturesque Borrowdale valley which is dominated by the 3 mile long lake of Derwentwater. There are easily accessible points to get down to the lake with a path that runs all around the shore. It is a very popular area with lovers of all activities and it is one of the few pieces of water in the Lake District that has retained its peaceful atmosphere. Watercolour and oil enthusiasts alike are drawn to this area.

The Borrowdale Valley is situated north of Keswick and is a ten mile long glacial valley beginning at Scafell Pike and ending at the shores of Derwentwater. This stretch offers routes for fell walkers of all abilities which is another reason why this area is so popular, coupled with its location near the buzzing town of Keswick and the many Lake District hotels to stay in.

Many hidden treasures, places of literary and historical interest can be found within the local area. Further up the Valley you can visit Honister Slate mine or if in a daring mood you could try the Via Ferrata route. Theatres, antique fares, boat trips and other visitor attractions are also plentiful along with many Keswick hotels.

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