The weather forecast was absolutely miserable for today, strong winds, heavy rain so what was I doing here? donning my waterproofs in Rosthwaite in the heart of Borrowdale, the wettest valley in England, on a day like today that wasn't hard to believe, Autumn's arrived that gives Borrowdale the edge, by far the most beautiful valley in the lakes this time of year, It's up there with the best any time of year but in Autumn it's tops.

From Rosthwaite my route took me along the banks of Stonethwaite Beck passing under the cliffs of Heron Crag and White Crag as I hunted for the path to carry me through the delightful Oak woods over Lingy End, now following the waters of Willygrass Gill I soon reached the small but quite beautiful Dock Tarn, on a dry day an excellent place to picnic. After a steep slippery descent I found myself on a pitch path guiding me across the marsh en route to Watendlath, this small upland oasis gets very busy and deservedly so, its a charming place with a tea shop thrown in. A path runs down the west bank of Watendlath Beck I followed this through Moss Mire crossing the wooden footbridge to enter the Oak woods of Lodore, the descent through these beautiful woods saw me arrive at the most impressive cascades of Lodore Falls. I crossed the main road to enter the fields at the head of Derwent Water, over the footbridge onto a delightful duckboard path lifting me above the marsh, in no time I was strolling over tarmac heading for Grange and the banks of the River Derwent. Following the banks of the river south I stopped only to explore Millican Dalton's Cave under the cliffs of Castle Crag.

Watendlath from Rosthwaite return via Lodore.	back to list view route map
	From the start of the walk, the sylvan slopes of King's How, a minute ago it was hidden by cloud, could this be a sign of better weather to come.
	No! taking shelter on the banks of Stonethwaite Beck.
	Looming out of the mirk Eagle Crag seen from near Stonethwaite Bridge.
	It's still pouring down but at least the Oak woods on Lingy End provide some shelter.
	The impressive cataracts of Willygrass Gill.
	Seen between High Crag and White Crag the impressive north face of Eagle Crag.
	Sitting in a hollow high above Borrowdale the little gem of Dock Tarn, if the weather had been better I would have stayed a while.
	From the path to Watendlath views to the serrated skyline of Grange Fell.
	Watendlath Tarn backed by one of Lakeland's lesser heights Black Waugh.
	The small hamlet of Watendlath once owned by the monks of Fountains Abbey now in the safe hands of the National Trust.
	Wandering down the banks of Watendlath Beck as I make my way down this classic hanging valley.
	I'm sitting on a rock having my lunch in the beautiful Oak woods of Lodore, they don't get much better than this, if only the sun would shine.
	Favoured by Victorian tourists Lodore Falls, with a total drop of 200ft the main fall being 90ft quite spectacular after heavy rain.
	Passing Great Bay Derwent Water on this wonderful path.
	On a grey horizon Skiddaw over Derwent Water.
	Great Bay Derwent Water with Park Nab to the left and Skiddaw across the skyline.
	At least the rains on my back and I'm able to keep the camera dry, Walla Crag seen from Great Bay.
	Millican Dalton's Cave, The Borrowdale Cave Man, I'd like to have spent more time here but it was such a bloody tip, there was two inscriptions on the wall, I think there is a lot of truth in the words. "Don't waste words jump to conclusions". "You can't feel lonely with nature as your companion".
	Almost at journeys end, it's stopped raining as it always dose at this stage of the walk, New Bridge near Rosthwaite.
	The Jaws of Borrowdale, to the left Castle Crag and the right King's How.
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