Walk Rosthwaite to Wadendlath tarn, Lake District, England

A beautiful medium level walk to discover the beauty of the valley between Rosthwaite village and Wadendlath tarn.

Rosthwaite to Wadendlath walk information:

  • Distance: 9km
  • Duration: 3h30
  • Ascent: 390m
  • Level: Easy to medium
  • Car park: National Trust Car Park, Rosthwaite, fees apply if not member of the National Trust, around £7.50 a day
  • Dog friendly: Some sheeps in the fields.
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This Sunday we went for the first time walking in the Borrowdale Valley. The hike we chose was recommended by my colleague. Borrowdale is located south of Keswick towards Honister Pass. The hike we did started from the village of Rosthwaite then went in the direction of Stonewaite, then to the small Dock Tarn before descending to the village of Watendlath and went back to Rosthwaite. The trail is well maintained and visible throughout the length. The climb between Stonewaite and Dock Tarn is quite long, but it is the only part of this hike that can be hard for some people. All the rest of the trail is more or less flat with a good descent to Watendlath and another to Rosthwaite. This hike is feasible for a family. Just be careful in some places the trail is very muddy and there are some deep swampy areas. There is also a small tea room in the village of Watendlath and another in the village of Rosthwaite. We loved this hike because the landscapes are quite different from other valleys around.

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Here are the key steps to do this hike:

  • From the parking, go towards the national road, turn left and immediately right towards the hotel. Cross the bridge and at the crossroads of the paths turn right. Continue straight for a moment. Just past the intersection with the path that goes to Stonewaite (which is on the right), take the path on the left which goes up towards Dock Tarn (there is a small yellow circle on the sign).
  • Continue straight on this trail that will climb more and more to get to the top of the forest and continue towards Dock Tarn. Pass Dock Tarn and continue straight on following the trail to Watendlath.
  • Once at Watendlath (before the bridge to Watendlath) take the (public Bridleway) trail to Rosthwaite. Continue to descend following this path. At an intersection of signs, turn right (pass the gate) towards Rosthwaite. Continue straight to the parking.

Do you know this hike and the Borrowdale Valley?

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Find all our dog-friendly walk in the Lake District National Park in this page. To discover our adventures in the UK it is here.

5 thoughts on “Walk Rosthwaite to Wadendlath tarn, Lake District, England

  1. I was in Rosthwaite on Friday at the Youth Hostel. We went in the opposite direction and climbed Castle Crag, but my friends were there an extra day and did this walk (although perhaps a variation as they talked about a steep descent). They loved it, so I’m going to go back and do it soon, especially after reading this and looking at your lovely photos.

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