YHA Borrowdale
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WiFi
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Meeting room(s)
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Large garden/grounds
Social walk from YHA Borrowdale
Overview
Saturday 10th October 2026
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8km)
Duration: 4 - 4.5 hours
Led by: Simon Ainley, YHA
Discovery and connection
Starting and finishing at YHA Borrowdale, this rewarding circular walk heads through the hamlet of Stonethwaite before climbing steadily to the peaceful waters of Dock Tarn, a secluded mountain tarn surrounded by heather-covered slopes and rugged fells. The route continues to Great Crag, a great viewpoint offering sweeping vistas across the central Lake District, before descending to picturesque Watendlath Tarn and the tiny hamlet of Watendlath, one of Borrowdale’s hidden gems.
From here, the path passes the historic Resting Stone, traditionally a stopping place for packhorses, and descends into the Borrowdale Valley with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. The final section follows tracks through Rosthwaite village and alongside fields and becks back to YHA Borrowdale.
This is in partnership with YHA's Festival of Walking - view other social walks.
What makes it special
- Tranquil tarns, panoramic fell-top scenery and rich local history
- Great for building confidence and walking skills
- Free cuppa and cake at the finish
Date and time
Saturday 10th October
Start: 10:30am
Starting point: YHA Borrowdale
Price
It’s free to sign up for this event. We’re encouraging participants to make a voluntary donation to support our Breaks Programme, helping groups of young people and families facing challenging circumstances to access life-changing adventures in our hostels.
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
Scafell Pike self-guided walking route
An exhilarating walk to England’s highest peak with amazing views and pretty gills and tarns.
Great Crag and Watendlath self-guided walking route
A great walk with amazing views, moorland and tarns.
Rosthwaite and Stonethwaite Beck self-guided walking route
A walk through Lake District villages providing great views of the surrounding hills and a peaceful riverside path.
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