The Lake District National Park has created 50 Miles Without Stiles routes, designed to make the landscape easier to explore for people with limited mobility, families with pushchairs and anyone looking for a gentler walk without scrambling or climbing. Borrowdale’s Bowder Stone is one of these routes, while several more can be found around Derwentwater. Always check the individual route grade and current path conditions before setting out.
Easy Walks Around Borrowdale
Not every day in the Lake District needs to involve a long climb or a full day on the fells. Around Rosthwaite and Borrowdale you’ll find riverside paths, woodland trails, waterfalls and shorter routes that still deliver wonderful Lakeland scenery. Whether you have a couple of hours, are walking with family or simply fancy a gentler day, there are plenty of options close to The Royal Oak.
Bowder Stone
Hidden among the Borrowdale woods, the enormous Bowder Stone has attracted visitors for generations. A broad path leads from the car park through woodland to the famous boulder, making this one of the area’s shortest sightseeing walks and an official Lake District Miles Without Stiles route.
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Approx. 0.6 miles / 0.9km return | Time: Around 30 minutes
Rosthwaite Riverside Walks
Step out from Rosthwaite and follow peaceful paths beside the River Derwent, passing green fields, woodland and the village stepping stones. With several places to turn back or extend your walk, the riverside is ideal when you want a relaxed outing without committing to a fixed route.
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Flexible - around 1-3 miles | Time: Around 30 minutes-1½ hours
Watendlath Lower Routes
The quiet hamlet of Watendlath, its traditional packhorse bridge and peaceful tarn make a lovely destination for a slower day. Rather than tackling the longer route from Rosthwaite, explore shorter paths around the hamlet and valley, choosing a distance to suit the time and energy you have available.
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Distance: Flexible - around 1-3 miles | Time: Around 30 minutes-1½ hours
Derwentwater Lakeside Sections
You don’t need to walk the full circuit of Derwentwater to enjoy its lakeshore. Choose a shorter section through woodland and along the water, or follow the easy Friar’s Crag route for views towards Catbells and the Jaws of Borrowdale. The launch service can also help create shorter days out.
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Around 2 miles / 3.2km for the Friar’s Crag option | Time: Around 1½ hours
Lodore Falls
Lodore Falls brings together woodland, rushing water and Derwentwater scenery without a full mountain day. Shorter approaches can be enjoyed around the falls, while a longer circular route adds surrounding woodland and viewpoints. Paths can become wet and slippery, so suitable footwear is still recommended.
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: Approx. 2.9 miles / 4.7km | Time: Around 1½ hours
Castle Crag Short Route
Castle Crag offers a taste of fell walking without the distance of Borrowdale’s bigger summits. The shorter route from Rosthwaite combines river and woodland scenery with a steep climb to an excellent viewpoint. Although comparatively short, the ascent and loose ground mean this is moderate rather than an easy, flat walk.
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: Approx. 3.1 miles / 5km | Time: Around 2 hours
Millican Dalton's Cave
Follow the River Derwent from Rosthwaite towards the former summer home of self-styled ‘Professor of Adventure’ Millican Dalton. The popular circular route combines riverside paths, woodland and Borrowdale history without requiring a high summit, although there are some rougher sections underfoot.
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles / 5.6km | Time: 2½-3 hours
Miles Without Stiles
What Should I Take?
A shorter walk still deserves a little preparation. Wear footwear suited to the terrain and carry waterproofs, warm clothing, water and a charged phone. Conditions can change quickly in Borrowdale, even when you are staying at lower levels. For navigation, weather advice and a complete packing checklist, visit our Fell Walking Safety & Essential Kit List.
Rooms Made For Walkers
A shorter walk leaves plenty of time to relax when you return. Our characterful ensuite bedrooms at The Royal Oak have walkers in mind, with individually sprung mattresses, tea and coffee facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi. Wet boots and walking gear can be left in our dedicated drying room, leaving you ready to choose another Borrowdale route the following morning.