Borrowdale by bus, boat and boot!

Located just a stone’s throw from the town of Keswick, Borrowdale is one of the region’s most beautiful areas, offering a remote feel, yet with easy access thanks to a network of bus connections from the likes of Keswick, Cockermouth and Penrith.

So pull on your hiking boots and let us take you on an exploration by bus, boat and boot into one of the most stunning valleys in Cumbria.

Start you day by connecting via Keswick on the 78 Stagecoach service towards Seatoller. This year-round bur route hugs the shores of Derwentwater and in summer the 77C offers additional services around the area.

For those who love being on the water, arrive in Victorian style aboard one of Keswick Launches’ traditional cruise boats.  With plenty of stops along the three-mile long Derwentwater, day tickets allow users to hop on and off all day long!

Once you find yourself in the beautiful Borrowdale Valley, walking routes range from low level easy paths such as the Derwent Water circular to mid-range fells like Catbells and beyond.

Starting off at a lower level is relatively easy, the paths are waymarked and with a map and some common sense, these walks are suitable for anyone from newbies to the experienced.  Amongst the highlights include the picturesque wooded valley along the River Derwent near Grange, visit the whopping Bowder Stone which you can climb up via its steps or hike up to the picture postcard Ashness Bridge and nearby Surprise View.  Beyond this you may even wish to continue walking the track to Watendlath, a hamlet considered by locals to be a true Borrowdale gem.

More experienced hikers can use the Borrowdale Valley as a base for exploring the bigger peaks.  Both Great Gable and Scafell Pike can be accessed via the valley. Meanwhile, slightly lower but also challenging, Castle Crag and Grange Fell make up what is more commonly known as the Jaws of Borrowdale.

While you can walk alone, experienced guides provide a rewarding, fun and safe ascent of some of our fabled fells and are highly recommended for those new to fell walking and Cumbria. There are a number of walking holiday companies offering this service across the county which offer private and group guided hikes and walks – ideal both for the inexperienced or solo hiker.

Whatever you choose to do, be sure to follow the Adventure Smart guidelines. This simple concept applies to everyone from experienced hikers to those new to walking and even those taking part in guided walks:

1. Are you confident you have the knowledge and skills for your day ahead?
2. Do you know the weather forecast?
3. Do you have the right gear?

Borrowdale has so much on offer it’s hard to tackle it all in one day.  Thankfully the area is blessed with an array of fantastic accommodation ranging from camping and self-catering to cosy B&Bs and luxury hotels.

What are you waiting for?  If you’re planning to visit Keswick this year by public transport, you can now select Keswick as your ultimate destination when booking online with Avanti West Coast. The integrated ticket will mean you can travel to Penrith by train and then hop on the bus direct from the station and seamlessly connect right into the centre of Keswick!  Tickets are on sale now and available for travel dates up to November 2024. 

Bus and boat tickets can be purchased in advance online or onboard.

The Let’s Go Car Free campaign is supported by Avanti West Coast, Cumbria Tourism, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire and the Strategic Visitor Management Group