Watendlath
The little hamlet of Watendlath, owned by the National Trust, sits high between the Borrowdale and Thirlmere valleys. At 847 feet above sea level, it boasts an attractive tarn surrounded by fells in a classic "hanging valley".
Plan Around Watendlath
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Watendlath Details
The settlement is reached by a very narrow road with passing places, from the Keswick to Borrowdale road. This is a steep climb at first before crossing the famous and photogenic Ashness Bridge. Carry on up to "Surprise View" where it is possible to park and look out over the whole of the Derwentwater valley. Take care with children as there are no barriers and this is the top of a cliff. Watendlath has its own attractive packhorse bridge, and a National Trust tea-room, particularly pleasant in good weather, when you can sit outside at tables and watch the birds. The estate was given to the National Trust by Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Louise, in memory of her brother, King Edward VII. The traditional Lakeland farm in Watendlath is rented out by the National Trust and, as is the case with Lakeland farms owned by the Trust, the herd of Herdwick sheep are owned by the Trust and not the farmer, changing hands with each tenant. This is part of the National Trust's policy aimed at ensuring this rare breed's survival. Watendlath Tarn (small lake) is stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout and is a popular fly fishing water, with wading and boat fishing. Watendlath beck (stream) is the source for the dramatic Lodore Falls - a tourist attraction from Victorian times made famous by Robert Southey's poem, the Cataract of Lodore. Another writer captivated by the place was Sir Hugh Walpole, who used Watendlath as a setting for the fictional home of Judith Paris in his haunting Herries saga, a series of four novels published in the early 1930's. Grid Reference: NY 27566 16353 Address (near): Watendlath, Keswick CA12 5UW
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Watendlath
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Watendlath
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1.2 mi away
High Seat
You'll not be surprised to learn that High Seat is one of the highest points in the Central Fells, although it fails to top 2,000 feet.
1.3 mi away
Dinah Hoggus Camping Barn
A traditional Lakeland field barn on the outskirts of the village of Rosthwaite.
1.4 mi away
Bowder Stone
One of Lakeland's most famous features, this 2000 ton stone, some 30 feet high, fifty feet across and ninety feet in circumference, rests in a state of delicate balance.
1.4 mi away
Rosthwaite Round, Fells, Tarn and Beck
This path has a little bit of everything that makes this part of England special: woods, fells, lakes, and the charming town of Watendlath.
1.6 mi away
Inside Out Yurts
Two sites at Hollows Farm and Seatoller Farm.
