Borrowdale
Borrowdale Hotel
Hotel · Borrowdale — Historic country-house setting beneath Shepherds Crag in the Borrowdale Valley.
The Lakes / Watendlath
WATENDLATH · TARN VIEWS & BORROWDALE WALKS
Watendlath
Watendlath is a small National Trust hamlet beside a tarn, high above Borrowdale. Come for the stone bridge, valley scenery and time by the water, or make it part of a carefully planned walk through the surrounding fells.
Last updated: 24 October 2026
A hamlet beside the tarn
Watendlath lies in a hanging valley between Borrowdale and Thirlmere. Farm buildings, enclosed fields and the tarn give it a different character from the larger lake towns.
The lane ends here. A short visit to the hamlet and a longer walk across the fells are different outings, so decide how much walking you want to do before setting off.
Keswick offers a wider base for a stay in the northern Lakes, with more ideas around Derwent Water.
Things to do: Watendlath and the Rosthwaite Round
Spend time exploring the hamlet and views of the tarn, keeping to public paths and respecting farm access. For a longer outing, the National Trust’s Rosthwaite Round links Watendlath, Dock Tarn and Stonethwaite.
The Trust grades the full 5.25-mile (8.4km) circuit as challenging and suggests 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes. It begins at Rosthwaite, rather than the Watendlath car park.
Expect steep ground, stone-pitched paths and sections between Dock Tarn and Watendlath that can be very wet and boggy. Choose a shorter route if that better suits your group.
Planning a longer walk
Routes towards the surrounding fells need suitable footwear, navigation and a mountain-weather check. Allow for the descent and changing conditions, particularly in wet weather or shorter winter days.
Do not treat the approach from Keswick or a crossing to Rosthwaite as an easy extension of a quick tarn visit. Check the complete route, ascent and return arrangements before starting.
For separate days out, our article on Helvellyn’s popularity and Ullswater family-walk ideas offer wider inspiration. Choose each walk for your group’s abilities and the conditions.
Accessibility, fishing and water access
Checked 24 October 2026: the AccessAble survey for the National Trust describes uneven surfaces, slopes, gates and paths that are often too narrow for wheelchair users. There is no step-free, level route throughout the area.
Read the detailed survey before a wheelchair or pushchair visit, and plan around your specific access needs rather than assuming a level circuit around the tarn.
View the detailed Watendlath access guide →
The National Trust describes Watendlath as a fly-fishing water. Confirm current permits, methods, season and any boat arrangements with the fishery before travelling. Do not assume general permission to launch your own craft or swim; check with the land manager first.
Getting here and parking
From the Borrowdale road, the approach climbs past Ashness Bridge and Surprise View along a narrow, winding lane with passing places. Drive carefully and keep passing places clear.
The National Trust car park at Watendlath is at the end of the lane. Check the signs for current parking and payment arrangements. Do not rely on a phone connection at the destination when planning your day.
If you prefer to arrive on foot, choose a mapped walking route and allow for the climb and return. Check current bus or boat services separately if your route depends on them.
Places to stay for a Watendlath visit
The Borrowdale Hotel offers a Borrowdale Valley base, while the Skiddaw Hotel is in Keswick. The Daffodil Hotel and Spa is a separate option in Grasmere. Each involves a journey to Watendlath; none is beside the tarn.
Compare the location, facilities and access to your planned walks before checking availability. Staying longer gives you time to explore Borrowdale and Derwent Water on separate days.
Grasmere
The Daffodil Hotel and Spa
Hotel · Grasmere — Lakeside setting, contemporary rooms and spa facilities.
Food stops and a considerate visit
The National Trust’s walking guide mentions the Caffle Tea-room at Watendlath. Check current opening arrangements before planning your walk around a refreshment stop, and carry food and water for longer outings.
The local tourism information lists public toilets beside the car park. Check the current access arrangements before relying on any facility.
Keep dogs under close control, use a lead around livestock and wildlife, close gates and leave farm access clear. Take litter home and enjoy the hamlet as a working landscape.
A look around Watendlath
Places to visit nearby
Explore Keswick and Derwent Water during a longer stay. Catbells is a separate fell outing across the valley, requiring its own route and weather planning.
