Beyond Borrowdale’s best-known summits are quieter paths, secluded waterfalls and places with stories of their own. From our hotel in Rosthwaite, you can discover gentle riverside walks, tucked-away swimming spots and lesser-known fell routes without travelling far. These hidden gems offer another side to walking in the Lake District, whether you have a couple of hours to explore or a full day ahead.
Climb from the Borrowdale Valley to peaceful Dock Tarn before continuing towards the tiny hamlet and waters of Watendlath. Woodland, open fell and far-reaching views make this varied circular walk from Rosthwaite a rewarding alternative to the busier Lake District summits.
Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: Approx. 5.25 miles / 8.4km | Time: Allow 3¼–4¾ hours
Follow Stonethwaite Beck towards Galleny Force, where waterfalls and clear pools sit beneath the trees of the atmospheric Fairy Glen. Reached from Rosthwaite via Stonethwaite, it makes a beautiful lower-level walk when you want to explore the valley rather than climb onto the fells.
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Approx. 4 miles / 6.4km return from Rosthwaite | Time: Allow 1½–2 hours
Head beyond Stonethwaite into the long, peaceful Langstrath Valley, following the beck towards Black Moss Pot. Surrounded by high fells and rocky pools, this moderate valley walk delivers a wonderful feeling of remoteness without the sustained mountain climbing of Borrowdale’s higher routes.
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: Approx. 4.3 miles / 7km | Time: Allow 1¾–2¼ hours
For a quieter perspective on Borrowdale, combine the low fell of High Doat with paths close to the River Derwent. Rising above the woodland near Rosthwaite, High Doat offers rewarding valley and fell views without the height of the surrounding summits, making it an easily overlooked Borrowdale gem.
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate | Distance: Approx. 5 miles / 8km | Time: Allow 2½–3 hours
For experienced walkers wanting something more challenging, Eagle Crag rises dramatically above Stonethwaite before leading towards Sergeant’s Crag. Steep ground, rocky steps and quieter high-level paths give this route a wilder character than many better-known Lake District walks, with rewarding views across the surrounding fells.
Difficulty: Hard | Distance: Approx. 5.9 miles / 9.4km | Time: Allow 3½–4½ hours
Hidden beneath Castle Crag is the former summer home of Millican Dalton, the self-styled ‘Professor of Adventure’. Woodland and riverside paths from Rosthwaite lead towards this unusual piece of Borrowdale history, creating a walk that combines beautiful scenery with one of the valley’s most intriguing stories.
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles / 5.6km | Time: Allow 2½–3 hours
Even a quieter or lower-level walk deserves proper preparation. Borrowdale weather can change quickly, paths may be wet or uneven and a short outing can take longer than expected. We highly advise wearing appropriate footwear, carrying waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and navigation equipment, and checking the forecast before setting off.
For everything you should carry, read our complete guide.
After a day exploring Borrowdale, The Royal Oak gives tired legs somewhere comfortable to return to. Our characterful, ensuite bedrooms have been designed with 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, ready for another day on the trails.