This walk has everything: a giant 2,000-tonne boulder you can climb, picturesque villages, riverside paths perfect for paddling, and enchanting woodland. Following a section of the Cumbria Way, this low-level circular route is ideal for families and dogs, offering plenty to see and do. With cafes in both Grange and Rosthwaite, it's a perfect walk for any weather.
The Walk at a Glance
2.5 - 3.5 Hours
Leisurely Pace
5.5 Miles / 8.8 km
Circular Route
Easy
Mostly flat paths
Very Dog Friendly
River swimming!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start at Bowder Stone Car Park
Begin at the National Trust car park for the Bowder Stone (CA12 5XA). From the car park, follow the clear path into the woods to the famous Bowder Stone, a huge, house-sized rock balanced on its edge with a ladder to the top.
2. To Rosthwaite
After visiting the stone, continue on the path which eventually leads to the road. Carefully cross over and turn left, following the quiet road for about a mile into the village of Rosthwaite. Here you can find a pub, shop, and cafes.
3. Join the Cumbria Way
In Rosthwaite, take the track that leads past the Flock-In cafe and over a stone bridge. You are now on the Cumbria Way. Follow this beautiful path through fields and farmland, with the River Derwent on your right.
4. Riverside Path to Grange
The path enters High Hows Wood and continues alongside the river. There are several spots with pebble beaches perfect for a picnic, a paddle, or for dogs to have a swim. The path eventually leads you to the picturesque village of Grange-in-Borrowdale.
5. Return to the Start
In Grange, enjoy an ice cream from the cafe before crossing the famous double-arched bridge over the river. On the other side, turn right and follow the permissive path that runs between the road and the river, leading you back to the Bowder Stone car park.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Parking: Use the National Trust pay-and-display car park at Bowder Stone (free for members). Alternative starting points with parking are Rosthwaite and Grange.
- Pushchairs: The section from Rosthwaite to Grange is largely suitable for rugged, all-terrain pushchairs, but the path from the Bowder Stone car park to the stone itself is very rocky.
- Bus Route: The 78 'Borrowdale Bus' from Keswick stops at Grange, Rosthwaite, and the Bowder Stone, making it easy to do this walk via public transport.
- Safety: Be careful with children on the road section into Rosthwaite, and supervise them closely if they climb the ladder on the Bowder Stone.
More to Explore Nearby
Castle Crag
From Rosthwaite, you can take a detour to climb the small but mighty Castle Crag, Wainwright's "finest square mile in Lakeland", for superb views of the valley.
Watendlath
A challenging but beautiful walk or a stunning drive up a very narrow road from Rosthwaite takes you to the hidden hamlet and tarn of Watendlath, a real hidden gem.
Derwentwater Launch
From the nearby village of Keswick, you can take a boat trip around Derwentwater, even hopping off at the Lodore or Ashness Bridge jetties to explore more of Borrowdale.