Borrowdale Rainforest

Overview

Did you know that there’s a rainforest in England? Borrowdale Rainforest, or Borrowdale Oakwoods as it’s also known, is one of the largest areas of temperate rainforest in England. This National Nature Reserve is one of the rarest habitats in the world, home to a diverse array of animal and plant life.

Rather than referring to just one area, the Borrowdale Rainforest refers to several woodland areas in the Borrowdale valley, Lake District. Work is currently underway to reconnect these areas, creating more of this unique habitat.

The high rainfall that this area experiences creates a humid climate, allowing lush woodland to thrive. Here, you’ll find an array of mosses, ferns, and lichen, plus ancient oak trees. It’s free to explore this National Trust site and they’re perfect for walks, even when the weather isn’t on your side!

In mist and light rain, the rainforest’s colours really come to life with beautiful green hues. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, then dig out your waterproofs and walking boots and get exploring.

Is Borrowdale a rainforest?

Not all of the Borrowdale valley is designated as a rainforest, but there are parts of it that are. This includes almost all of the woodlands here. They are all open to the public, with paths to walk on. Starting points include:

Great Wood
Ashness bridge
Seatoller car park
Bowder Stone car park

There’s no ticketed entrance, and you might not even realise you’ve walked into the rainforest at first, as they fit seamlessly into the wider landscape and footpath network. Keep your eyes peeled for gnarled oak trees, moss-covered boulders, bubbling streams, and deep greenery, and you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Is Borrowdale the wettest place in England?

Borrowdale is the wettest inhabited place in England. It is as wet here as you would find in a tropical rainforest, although much cooler. It is this damp, cool climate that has created the perfect conditions for the Borrowdale Rainforest, as the rain is fantastic for allowing lush vegetation to grow.

What is a temperate rainforest?

A temperate rainforest is an area with ancient woodland that experiences high rainfall. The trees are often centuries old. You’ll find temperate rainforests in the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand, Chile - and right here in Borrowdale!

What can I see in Borrowdale Rainforest?

Borrowdale Rainforest is a thriving habitat that is home to many different species of flora and fauna. Keep a lookout for:

Mosses and liverworts – there are over 400 recorded species here
Trees – oak, birch, rowan, holly
Birds – woodpeckers, redstarts, pied flycatchers, owls
Roe deer
Red squirrels
Badgers
Foxes

Are dogs allowed in Borrowdale Rainforest?

Yes, dogs are welcome in Borrowdale Rainforest. Be sure to keep them under close control because of the wildlife that lives here.

King’s Series of National Nature Reserves

In May 2024, the Borrowdale Rainforest was announced as one of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves. As a result, the National Trust is planning work to enhance and care for the 721-hectare site, working with neighbouring farmers to protect the land.

The works include modifying sections of existing paths to make them more accessible so that more people can enjoy the area. Be sure to stick to the paths during your visit to help maintain the land.

Walks in the Borrowdale Rainforest

There are several walking routes that include wanders into the Borrowdale Rainforest, alongside other features of the Borrowdale valley, including fells, lakes, and rivers. Walks are available for all abilities, from low-level wanders to ticking off Wainwrights.

Some of the best Borrowdale Rainforest walks include:

Derwentwater, Friar’s Crag, and Borrowdale Rainforest circular – 7.4 miles (11.9 kilometres)
Cummacatta Wood from Bowder Stone Car Park – 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometres)
Langstrath valley from Rosthwaite - 5.5 miles (9 kilometres)

Top tips for visiting the Borrowdale Rainforest

Wear walking boots or sturdy shoes. The ground can be uneven and is often wet
Take your time and enjoy the surroundings
The quietest times to visit are early morning or late afternoon. These are also excellent times to take photographs

How to get to Borrowdale Rainforest from YHA Borrowdale

There are several different areas of rainforest throughout the Borrowdale valley. For these directions, we’re going to use the Bowder Stone car park as the entry to the woodlands, and you can tick off a visit to the Bowder Stone at the same time. Bowder Stone car park is just over 2 miles (3.4 kilometres) from YHA Borrowdale.

On foot: Walking from YHA Borrowdale to the Bowder Stone car park should take about 46 minutes. It’s a pleasant walk and you’ll pass through the village of Rosthwaite.

Cycling: It should take around 11 minutes to get to the Bowder Stone car park from YHA Borrowdale by bike.

By car: Driving from YHA Borrowdale to the Bowder Stone car park should take approximately seven minutes. This is a pay and display car park with approximately 60 spaces. Parking is free for National Trust members.