This autumnal guided activity will take place from Borrowdale in the heart of the Lake District.
​
My personal favourite valley to visit at this time of year, there is a true display of nature on show with native deciduous woodland showing off all the colours of the seasonal change as well as various species of fungi littering the floor of wooded areas and meadows.
Whether it's a fine, crisp and frosty morning or there is to be mist winding around the hills and a bit of drizzle creating a moody scene, this mixed terrain walk will captivate the imagination and is sure to provide a real snapshot of autumn in the Lake District.
Please read on below to find out more about the route,
which is 15km, or just under 10 miles, and expected to take around six hours to complete.
Limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS
at £33.00 per person.
The route I have designed will head out from the quaint village of Grange. There are car parks nearby, Grange is also easily available by various bus services from Keswick.
We will be heading up Watendlath Beck to take in the higher reaches of Lodore Falls, a fantastic cascade that is only accentuated by rainfall and provides an exciting start to the outing. From here, we will climb up the hillside beneath the vast tree canopy that gives a wonderful palette of colour. A slight detour will lead us to "Surprise View", an elevated position showing Borrowdale and Derwentwater.
Following the river upstream, we will emerge at the hidden hamlet of Watendlath, perched high in the hills above Borrowdale with a superb glacial tarn taking centre stage.
The next stage of the walk will lead us southwards along a moorland bridleway that cuts through a pleasant patchwork of of brightly coloured grasses and heather. We will eventually find ourselves dropping down the hill into Rosthwaite where the terrain flattens out somewhat. There will be an opportunity to stop off at the tea room for refreshments.
As we cross a network of fields and begin to climb up the west side of the valley, we will see our next objective, which is Castle Crag, where a choice is offered of how to proceed.
(This may be dictated by the weather or time depending on how the day has gone up to this point.)
OPTION ONE - CASTLE CRAG SUMMIT
Castle Crag is actually the 214th Wainwright summit, as in the lowest altitude at just 290m above sea level. However, there is a very steep ascent up from Borrowdale followed by a loose, scree ridden slope on both the ascent and descent. So it's no walk in the park. The views of the length and breadth of Borrowdale from the top are very rewarding, Castle Crag is a superb vantage point and worth the exertion to climb.​
OPTION TWO - MILLICAN DALTON'S CAVE
A less strenuous and more exploratory alternative to "bagging" the peak offers a really interesting look at the slate quarries where local hermit Millican Dalton lived from the 1920's for almost fifty years!
This is a fascinating story of an intrepid and inspirational gentleman who was keen to share his love of the outdoors with others, even though he chose a solitary habitation in a disused working quarry.
Bringing our ramble to an end, we will head back down to the valley level path and make our way northwards through a beautiful stretch of ancient woodland beside the River Derwent back to Grange. Depending on the number of participants and the overall level of experience/ability in the group, this route MAY be revised to include both the summit of Castle Crag AND Millican Dalton's Cave. This is not guaranteed and will be decided upon nearer the date of the activity
Borrowdale in Autumn
This professionally guided activity is limited to
6 PARTICIPANTS at £33.00 per person.
The route is not overly difficult but there are some steep climbs. Previous hill walking experience is advisable and a moderate level of fitness is required to take part in this walk.
If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss before making a booking.
​​
​Our start point is outside the Grange Methodist Chapel (CA12 5UQ). Parking is
available outside and elsewhere in the locality. Please do not block any access but do respect local residents when parking. Information is also available online. There are also fantastic and reliable bus services from Keswick. We will be meeting before 10:00 to leave on the hour.
​​
There is various accommodation in the vicinity of Borrowdale and Keswick,
including camping, hostels and B&B's. It is advisable to book accommodation
well in advance to avoid disappointment. Please ask me if you need any advice on
where to stay, or if you need information about transport links to this area.
​
Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds of clients. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group. As mentioned, it is necessary to have a moderate level of fitness and ideally hillwalking experience to participate.
​
It should be mentioned that weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable at all times
of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple
weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity.
Unless there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, walks will go ahead regardless of conditions.
​
​
What to expect when booking a professionally
guided activity with Moors to Mountains.
​
I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation and always make a point of providing a friendly and welcoming experience for all my clients.
All Moors to Mountains activities are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or assisting an individual across a section of uneven terrain. My promise is to deliver a high level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.
As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was already active in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting. There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.
All Moors to Mountains outings include some rewarding physical challenge, whether it be distance or terrain.
I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.
Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the
Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.
(please click above to view)
​
Once a place has been booked on any activity...
I will personally contact each client by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where necessary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.
​
Cheers, COLIN.