Lodore to Surprise View

About trip

Distance: 4 1/2 miles (7.2km) Time: 2 1/4 hours Terrain: Moderate; some wet areas and rough sections Description: The awe inspiring view of the thunderous falls at Lodore has been considered an essential part of any tourist’s visit to this area since Victorian times. The Lakeland poet Robert Southey wrote his famous onomatopoeic poem 'The Cataract of Lodore' in 1820 to describe the cascading descent of Watlendlath Beck over the edge into Borrowdale. Further up the valley Ashness Bridge, with the picturesque view of the upper part of Derwent Water beyond, is one of the most photographed and painted scenes in Britain although the neighbouring viewpoint, 'Surprise View', is more dramatic. Watendlath was also made popular by the Keswick author Hugh Walpole and his bestselling 1931 novel, Judith Paris, which was set in the hamlet at the head of the valley. Parking can often be a problem around Borrrowdale and it is suggested that the walk should start at Lodore after a bus ride there, or after a trip by boat on Derwent Water to the Lodore landing stage. The walk finishes at Ashness Gate where it is also possible to get a boat or bus back. However, at quiet times it should be possible to park in the car park by the lakeshore halfway between Lodore and Ashness Gate (Kettlewell car park). From here you can walk to and from the start and finish. The walk described is from Lodore landing. Directions: a From the boat landing, walk up to the road and turn right. Pass the Lodore Hotel and then turn sharp left around the back of the buildings, following the sign ‘To the falls’. Cross the footbridge, bear right into the wood and continue to the viewpoint at 1. b From the viewpoint, continue upwards on the path which goes left away from the beck. After 160yds (150m) turn sharp right on to a smaller path, which heads upwards and back towards the beck. The going here is difficult as you pass between boulders and around fallen trees. Caution will be needed if wet. c After another ½ mile (800m), bear left at a fork in the path and continue up and over a stile. d Continue on the path which follows the course of the beck upstream, until you join a larger track just before a gate in the wall. Go through the gate and turn sharp right. Go down and cross the footbridge and turn left onto a path beside the beck, for 1¼ miles (2km). e When you reach Watendlath cross the river by the packhorse bridge. You now have a choice of route. If the road is not too busy you could continue by turning left along the road and following it all the way down to 4 (‘Surprise View’). Otherwise retrace your steps along the path by the beck to the footbridge at d as described below. f Recross the footbridge, go up and turn left through the gate, and then follow the track straight on and up to join the tarmac road. Turn left and after 325yds (300m) arrive at 4. g Continue down the road to the bridge at 5. h Continue down the road until you reach the junction with the main road. Cross over to the boat landing. Alternatively, to return to the Kettlewell car park, turn sharp left and follow the main road and lakeside path back to the car park. Places of Interest: 1 After heavy rain the Lodore Falls are impressive. The largest drop is 90ft (27.4m). 2 Good views on ascent. 3 Watendlath is a tiny hamlet of scattered farm buildings and a tea room, all under the care of the National Trust. Watendlath Tarn is stocked with both brown trout and rainbow trout and is very popular with anglers. 4 ‘Surprise View’ is a stunning tree-framed eagle's eye view over Derwent Water to the north-western fells. On a clear day it is possible to see Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance. 5 Ashness Bridge is a traditional stone-built packhorse bridge and a popular site for photography, picnics and paddling. The famous view includes Borrowdale and across Derwent Water to Keswick and Skiddaw.