Few places reward a pair of walking boots quite like the Lake District. For fell walking from our hotel in Borrowdale, Wainwright walks and summits begin close at hand, from Castle Crag to the famous Scafell Pike. We have access to beginner walks or challenging trails just beyond our door, so you can choose a route to suit your experience, check the weather and enjoy walking the fells at your own pace.
Climb England’s highest mountain from the heart of Borrowdale, following the classic route from Seathwaite towards Styhead and the Corridor Route. Expect a long day of rugged mountain scenery, rocky paths and spectacular views across the central fells. This is one of Borrowdale’s serious summit walks, requiring good fitness, navigation skills and suitable equipment.
Difficulty: Hard | Distance: Approx. 9.5 miles / 15km | Time: Allow 6–8 hours
One of the smaller Wainwright fells, Castle Crag packs plenty of character into a shorter walk. The route combines woodland, riverside paths and old quarry landscapes before a steep final climb to the summit, where wonderful views stretch along Borrowdale towards Derwentwater. It is an excellent choice for walkers wanting a rewarding half-day on the fells.
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: Approx. 5 miles / 8km | Time:
Great Crag offers plenty of variety without venturing onto Borrowdale’s highest summits. From Rosthwaite, a steep woodland climb leads towards peaceful Dock Tarn before continuing across heather-covered fell to the rocky summit. With woodland, tarns and open fellside scenery along the way, it makes a rewarding choice for a quieter day in the valley.
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: Approx. 6 miles / 9.7km | Time: Allow 3–4 hours
Rising steeply above Stonethwaite, Eagle Crag offers a wilder experience for walkers who enjoy ridge walks and rougher ground. The route quickly leaves the valley behind for rocky terraces and impressive views across Langstrath and Borrowdale. Some sections require careful route-finding and hands-on-rock, making this a walk best suited to confident and experienced fell walkers.
Difficulty: Hard | Distance: Approx. 6 miles / 9.5km* | Time: 3½–4½ hours*
*Please note distance and time based on the popular circular route taking in both Eagle Crag and Sergeant’s Crag.
Standing above the upper Borrowdale Valley, Glaramara offers a rugged day on the higher fells with rocky tops, tarns and impressive views of the surrounding mountains. The climb is quieter than nearby Scafell Pike but should not be underestimated, with rough terrain and navigation required, particularly when cloud settles across the tops.
Difficulty: Hard | Distance: Approx. 7 miles / 11km | Time: Allow 6 hours
Often combined with neighboring Eagle Crag, Sergeant’s Crag rewards the steep climb from Stonethwaite with quieter paths and wide views over the surrounding Lakeland fells. Beyond Eagle Crag, the landscape opens into rugged upland country where navigation becomes increasingly important. It is an atmospheric Borrowdale walk, best saved for a clear day and confident walkers.
Difficulty: Hard | Distance: Approx. 6 miles / 9.5km* | Time: 3½–4½ hours*
*Please note distance and time based on the popular circular route taking in both Eagle Crag and Sergeant’s Crag.
Conditions on the fells can change quickly. Carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water, OS maps, a compass, charged phone, head torch and emergency kit, and check the mountain weather before setting out. Our full Fell Walking Safety & Kit List covers route planning, navigation, walking safety and what to do if you need mountain rescue.
Tucked away in Rosthwaite, The Royal Oak is a walking hotel in the Lake District with Borrowdale's fells close at hand. After a day outside, leave wet kit in our dedicated drying room and settle in by the fire. The Royal Oak is a welcoming base for fell walkers exploring our quiet corner of the Northern Lakes.