Rosthwaite, nestled in the heart of Borrowdale in the English Lake District, is a peaceful village that Wainwright praised as "the loveliest corner of Lakeland," calling the area around Castle Crag "the loveliest square mile in Lakeland." It is one of the most popular starting points for climbing England's highest peak, Scafell Pike (978m), and serves as a crossroads leading to the three side valleys of Upper Borrowdale: Seathwaite, Stonethwaite, and Watendlath. The 5000-year-old Castlerigg Stone Circle awaits sunrise in the distance, while steamers on Derwentwater depart slowly from Keswick jetty. This 2-day, 1-night classic tour includes visiting the stone circle, boating on the lake, mountain climbing, and valley walks.
Explore Borrowdale's "loveliest square mile", visit the Neolithic stone circle, and climb England's highest peak.
Start your morning in Rosthwaite and head north along the B5289 road for about 3 miles (5 km) to the outskirts of Keswick to reach Castlerigg Stone Circle. This is one of Britain's most impressive prehistoric monuments, built around 3000 BC (Late Neolithic). Its 38 stones form a circle 30 metres in diameter, with some pillars reaching up to 3 metres high. The circle sits in a natural amphitheatre-like hollow, surrounded by the peaks of High Seat, Helvellyn, and Blencathra. At sunrise, the stones are outlined in gold, creating a truly mystical atmosphere. From the stone circle, descend into the market town of Keswick. Visit the Derwent Pencil Museum (where the world's first pencil was made) and browse local handmade jams and wool products at the Market Square. In the afternoon, head to the Derwentwater jetty to take a traditional steamer cruise around the lake (or rent a rowboat/paddleboard for a closer experience). Pass by Saint Herbert's Island and Lord's Island, with the Catbells ridge reflected in the clear water. In the evening, walk back along the eastern shore path via Calfclose Bay and Friar's Crag (one of Wordsworth's favourite viewpoints), finishing the day with a pint of local Keswick Brewing bitter at a lakeside pub in Keswick.
Drive early or catch the No. 78 bus to Seathwaite (the hamlet at the head of Borrowdale, one of the wettest inhabited places in England). From here, begin the ascent of Scafell Pike (978m), England's highest mountain. This is the most popular route: follow the gentle gradient of Grains Gill stream uphill, pass the ancient Stockley Bridge packhorse bridge (built in the 17th century), traverse Ruddy Gill gorge with its cascading waterfalls, meet the Langdale route at Esk Hause pass (760m), and finally navigate the scree slopes following cairns to the summit. The round trip is approximately 15 km / 6-7 hours, with an elevation gain of about 1000 metres. At the top, you'll find a war memorial bronze plaque and a metal summit register. On a clear day, you can see Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, and the Irish Sea. After descending, explore the "Fraternal Four" yew trees near Seathwaite, celebrated by Wordsworth in his 1803 poem "Yew-Trees". These trees are estimated to be 1500-2000 years old, making them among the oldest living things in Britain (one was damaged by a storm in 2005, leaving three standing). In the evening, take a leisurely walk back to Rosthwaite along the Stonethwaite Valley, passing the Langstrath Country Inn and the natural swimming pool at Black Moss Pot, ending your trip with a cup of tea at the Flock-In Tearoom.
Located within Yew Tree Farm in Rosthwaite village, run by the farming family. All ingredients come from their own farm and locally within Borrowdale. Signature dishes include Herdwick lamb pie (slow-cooked for 3 hours with homemade pastry), Sykes Farm artisan ice cream, and seasonal fruit scones with jam. Sit in the stone-walled garden overlooking free-ranging Herdwick sheep and the High Spy ridge. Budget £8-£15 per person. Cash only.
The only pub and restaurant in the hamlet of Stonethwaite, just a 20-minute walk from Rosthwaite. This 17th-century stone building retains original wooden beams and a fireplace. The menu focuses on Lake District classics: Cumberland sausage platter, shepherd's pie, and beer-braised beef. The bar serves six cask ales, including local brews from Keswick Brewing and Bowness Bay. Terrace seating overlooks the Langstrath Valley, bathed in golden light at sunset. Budget £12-£22 per person.
A local craft brewery located in the Southey Works industrial estate in Keswick, just 6.5 miles from Rosthwaite. Signature beers include Threlkeld Gold (amber ale, 4.2%), Skiddaw Pale Ale (refreshing bitter, 3.8%), and Borrowdale Bitter (dark malt, 4.5%). The brewery taproom serves handmade beef burgers and fish & chips, often with live folk music on weekends. Guided tasting sessions cost £8 and include 3 pints plus a history of the brewery. Budget £10-£18 per person.
A seasonal tearoom (usually open April-October) run by the National Trust in the hamlet of Watendlath, tucked away in a stone cottage next to the famous packhorse bridge. Serves homemade Victoria sponge cake, lemon curd scones, and hot chocolate. All profits go towards maintaining the Borrowdale footpaths. Sit at wooden tables by the tarn, with swans and ducks paddling nearby, surrounded by 360-degree views of cliffs and waterfalls. Budget £5-£12 per person.