Borrowdale valley loop: Seatoller, Rosthwaite and Stonethwaite
A low-level ramble through the heart of Borrowdale: Johnny Wood, the River Derwent, Rosthwaite and the quiet side valley to Stonethwaite.
- Distance
- 7.6 km
- 4.7 miles
- Ascent
- 199 m
- High point 279 m
- Time
- 2 hours
- Walking time, no stops
- Grade
- Easy
- Circular
Take this walk with you
Google Maps does not know most fell paths, so use it to get to the start, then follow the GPX in an app like OS Maps, Komoot or AllTrails. To see the line in Google Maps, open Google My Maps, create a map, choose Import and pick the KML file. It then appears in the Google Maps app under Saved, Maps.
Weather on this walk
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Upper Borrowdale is the valley most people picture when they think of the Lake District: stone farms, oak woods, a clear river over green pools and steep fells closing in on every side. You do not have to climb anything to enjoy it.
This walk links the three hamlets at the head of the valley. It goes through the ancient woodland of Johnny Wood to Longthwaite, follows the Derwent to Rosthwaite and then heads up the lane into the Stonethwaite valley, a dead-end side dale with a café at its far end. It is a good wet-weather option and a gentle day for mixed groups.
The route
- 1
Seatoller to Johnny Wood
From the car park cross the road and take the path into Johnny Wood. Follow it along the wooded slope above the river; there is one short rocky stretch where you will want to watch your feet.
- 2
Longthwaite and the river
Drop out of the wood at Longthwaite by the youth hostel and follow the riverside path downstream towards Rosthwaite, passing the stepping stones.
- 3
Rosthwaite
Cross into Rosthwaite village, a cluster of farms and guest houses with a café, and walk out to the main valley road.
- 4
Up to Stonethwaite
Follow the lane signed for Stonethwaite across the beck and up the side valley to the hamlet, where the Peathouse café sits among the cottages.
- 5
Back to Seatoller
Return along the Stonethwaite lane to the valley road and make your way back past Longthwaite and through the woods to Seatoller.
Questions people ask
What is the best low-level walk in Borrowdale?
This loop between Seatoller, Rosthwaite and Stonethwaite covers the prettiest part of the valley floor without any real climbing.
Can you get a bus to Borrowdale?
Yes, buses run up the valley from Keswick, stopping at Rosthwaite and Seatoller. Check current timetables before you set out.
Is the Borrowdale valley walk suitable for children?
Yes. It is largely level, with cafés along the way, though the short rocky section in Johnny Wood needs care.
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Food, drink and beds near the start
The Langstrath
Country Inn, Stonethwaite, ££
Tucked into Borrowdale's quietest corner, this tiny country inn is the perfect post-walk pint stop with genuine warmth.
Honister Slate Mine
Adventure, Honister Pass, ££
England's last working slate mine offers underground tours, via ferrata and infinity bridge experiences high above Buttermere valley.
Borrowdale Gates Hotel
Country House Hotel, Borrowdale, £££, dogs welcome
A tranquil retreat in Borrowdale's green heart, with fell views from every room and a kitchen that champions Cumbrian produce.