Stonethwaite Circular Walk
View PhotosStonethwaite Circular Walk
Difficulty Rating:
The Stonethwaite Circular Walk is a fun, family-friendly adventure in the Lake District that will take you through several charming villages along the banks of Stonethwaite Beck. While out on the trail, you will walk along the flowing water of the beck and enjoy views of the surrounding fells, as you pass through the villages of Rosthwaite, Stonethwaite, Borrowdale, and Longthwaite. This walk offers a nice mix of easy-going village and rural terrain that can be enjoyed by walkers of all skill levels.
Getting there
To reach the car park for the Stonethwaite Circular Walk from Keswick, drive south on the B5289 for 0.1mi and take the first exit at the roundabout onto Borrowdale Road/B5289. After 5.7mi, make a right turn and continue on for 240ft to find the car park on the right.
About
When to do | Year-Round |
Backcountry Campsites | National Trust Campsite, Chapel House Farm Campsite |
Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
Family friendly | Yes |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Circuit |
Stonethwaite Circular Walk
Elevation Graph
Weather
Stonethwaite Circular Walk Description
The Stonethwaite Circular Walk is a great route in the Lake District that will take you through some stretches of boggy terrain along several streams. Be sure to wear proper walking boots that are ideally waterproof in order to combat the wet conditions. Additionally, be sure to arrive early, as parking in the village of Rosthwaite can become limited.
This walk is perfect for a fun family outing due to the scenic views of the surrounding hills and the easy-to-navigate terrain. The trail sets out from Rosthwaite and follows along Stonethwaite Beck to the southeast, offering amazing views of the surrounding hillscape as you make your way through the valley. The return leg of the journey will lead you through several charming villages that offer a nice contrast to the rural terrain along the first half of the walk. This scenic adventure can be completed year-round and is suitable for walkers of almost every skill level.
Setting out from the car park next to the village hall in Rosthwaite, turn left along the road and follow it until you meet up with the B5289. Cross over to the other side and head left, turning right at the next cross street to make your way over Stonethwaite Beck. After crossing the stream, take the next path on the right and follow it south along the flowing water for the next 1.7mi.
This portion of the walk will see you pass through several gates and cross over several streams, as you enjoy the amazing views of the hilly Lake District landscape in every direction. Shortly after passing a small waterfall known as Galleny Force, you will arrive at a junction in the trail. Take the path on the right and make your way over the bridge, following the trail for the next 0.3mi as it passes through a boggy stretch of terrain and arrives at a bridge crossing over Langstrath Beck.
Turn right here to cross the bridge, making another right on the opposite side to follow along the stream in an eastward direction. Keep right along the trail to gain a different perspective of the rushing waters of Galleny Force, before continuing northwest along the banks of Stonethwaite Beck.
After passing by the National Trust Campsite and crossing over both the Big Stanger and Little Stanger gills, continue along the trail to pass through the quaint village of Stonethwaite. If you want to stop for some mid-walk refreshments, the Peathouse Tea and Coffee Shop is a great option. Now travelling along the road, continue to the northwest for 0.6mi to pass through the villages of Borrowdale and Longthwaite.
From here, take the path branching off to the right and follow it for 0.3mi, crossing over three stiles to meet back up with the road. Turn left and make your way through the village of Rosthwaite to return to the car park where you began the Stonethwaite Circular Walk.
Insider Hints
Arrive early to secure parking.
Toilet facilities can be found near the trailhead.
Wear proper walking boots, as portions of the trail can be wet and boggy.
Similar hikes to the Stonethwaite Circular Walk hike
Osprey Viewpoint & Bassenthwaite Lake Walk
The Osprey Viewpoint & Bassenthwaite Lake Walk is a scenic Lake District adventure that will expose you to some beautiful…
Hawkshead, Wray Castle, and Windermere Walk
The Hawkshead, Wray Castle, and Windermere Walk is a fantastic journey that will lead you through some picturesque locations that…
Nether Wasdale and Wastwater Walk
The Nether Wasdale and Wastwater Walk is a fairly relaxing stroll through a variety of Lake District terrain that will…
Comments