Borrowdale

Borrowdale enjoys a reputation as the most beautiful valley in the Lake District. There are many outdoor activities available with many low and high level walks locally, watersports on Derwentwater and swimming in the local rivers in summer. Keswick, 7 mile away, has plenty of outdoor shops, a swimming pool, a theatre, cinema and several small museums. 

Try the latest adrenalin attractions - The exciting Via Ferrata at Honister slate mine and 'Go Ape' tree top ropes course at Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre 

Walking - There are fantastic walks starting from just outside the door ranging from easy strolls along the River Derwent to more challenging High Fell walks. Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Glaramara and Dalehead are all within easy reach and a short drive will take you to within reach of Pillar, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, Blencathhra and the other Lake District Classic peaks. Detailed routes, maps and advice are available from reception.

Watersports - Platty+ Water Sports Centre, 3 miles from YHA Borrowdale at Lodore Landings for hire and tuition for kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing Tel: 017687 77282/76512 www.plattyplus.co.uk

Keswick Launch - Enjoy a day out on the lake just taking in the views, or use the hop-on, hop-off service to get around. www.keswick-launch.co.uk

Cycling/Mountain Biking - Spectacular road cycling if you don’t mind steep hills! The Coast to Coast cycle route is also nearby. Try the new and challenging 19km Mountain Bike Course at the Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre. Mountain bike hire is available in Keswick Tel: 01768 775202

Climbing - Borrowdale has a superb range of routes from easy scrambles to modern test pieces. For high mountain crags, Gillercombe Buttress and The Great Napes are easily reached from the head of the valley.

Orienteering/Children’s trail – YHA Borrowdale has it’s own small orienteering trail. There is a good selection of orienteering courses and trails at the Whinlatter Forestry Park.

Horse riding - Available at Rookin House Farm (14 miles) Tel: 01768 483561. Pony Trekking is available at Park Foot Tel: 01768 486696

Golf/Pitch & Putt/Putting - Keswick has an 18 hole golf course. Tel: 01768 779324. Pitch and Putt, putting and crazy golf can be found in Hope Park.

Fishing - Licences for fishing in Lake Derwentwater and the River Derwent are available from the Information Centre at the Moot Hall, Keswick Tel: 01768 772645 or at Stonethwaite Post Office Tel: 01768 777304

Rookin House Farm (14 miles) offers a range of different and unique activities including go-karting, Amphibious Truck, Human Bowling and Assault Course.  Tel: 01768 483561 or visit www.rookinhouse.co.uk Greystoke Castle offers similar exotic pastimes. Tel: 01768 483722

Multi-activity courses can be arranged and include ghyll scrambling, canoeing, climbing and mountain biking. www.keswickclimbingwall.co.uk Tel: 01768 772000

Places of interest

Theatre by the Lake – Keswick  (5.5 miles) Film and literary festivals, plays aimed at children, and a cafe. Tel: 017687 74411 www.theatrebythelake.com

Whinlatter Forestry Centre (10 miles) A visitor centre, 'Go Ape' tree top ropes course, mountain bike trails, orienteering trails, cafe and mixed ability walks set in a large forestry reserve.
Tel: 017687 78469. www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-5gzlny

Osprey View Point (9 miles) - April to September www.ospreywatch.co.uk

Mirehouse (9 miles) - Children's adventure playground, beautiful gardens, cafe and a fine mansion. Tel: 017687 72287 www.mirehouse.com

Rheged (19 miles) - Europe's largest underground grass covered building, with the National Mountaineering Exhibition, an Imax cinema, shopping, cafes and even an outdoor adventure playground.
Tel: 01768 868000 www.rheged.com

Honister Slate Mine (2.5 miles) - Experience guided tours of this working slate mine. Try the adrenalin-inducing Via Ferrata, or just enjoy the stunning setting at the top of the pass.
Tel: 017687 77230 Visit www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk

The Puzzling Place (Keswick) - Let your mind boggle in this gallery of optical illusions.
Tel: 01768 775102 www.puzzlingplace.co.uk

Trotters World of Animals (13 miles) - All sorts of animals from wallabys to lemurs to emus.
Tel: 017687 76239 www.trottersworld.com

Jennings Brewery Tour (18 miles) - Sample some local beers from this brewery which has been located in Cockermouth since 1874. Tel: 0845 1297190 www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk

Lake District Coast Aquarium (27 miles) - See the fish being fed at this Maryport aquarium.
Tel: 01900 817760 www.lakedistrict-coastaquarium.co.uk

There are many other things to see and do in the surrounding area, details of which are available upon arrival at YHA Borrowdale.