Plan your walk |
|
 |
DISTANCE: 4½ miles (7.2km) TIME: 2¼ hours START/END: NY264192 Lordore Hotel in the hamlet of Lordore TERRAIN: Moderate; some wet areas and rough sections MAPS: |
From the boat landing, walk up to the road and turn right. Pass the Lodore Hotel and then turn sharp left around the back of the buildings, following the sign ‘To the falls’. Cross the footbridge, bear right into the wood and continue to the viewpoint at 
.
After heavy rain the Lodore Falls are impressive. The largest drop is 90ft (27.4m).
From the viewpoint, continue upwards on the path which goes left away from the beck. After 160yds (150m) turn sharp right on to a smaller path, which heads upwards and back towards the beck. The going here is difficult as you pass between boulders and around fallen trees. Caution will be needed if wet.
Good views on ascent.
After another ½ mile (800m), bear left at a fork in the path and continue up and over a stile.
Continue on the path which follows the course of the beck upstream, until you join a larger track just before a gate in the wall. Go through the gate and turn sharp right. Go down and cross the footbridge and turn left onto a path beside the beck, for 1¼ miles (2km).
When you reach Watendlath cross the river by the packhorse bridge. You now have a choice of route. If the road is not too busy you could continue by turning left along the road and following it all the way down to 
(‘Surprise View’). Otherwise retrace your steps along the path by the beck to the footbridge at 
as described below.
Watendlath is a tiny hamlet of scattered farm buildings and a tea room, all under the care of the National Trust. Watendlath Tarn is stocked with both brown trout and rainbow trout and is very popular with anglers.
Recross the footbridge, go up and turn left through the gate, and then follow the track straight on and up to join the tarmac road. Turn left and after 325yds (300m) arrive at .
‘Surprise View’ is a stunning tree-framed eagle's eye view over Derwent Water to the northwestern fells. On a clear day it is possible to see Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance.
Continue down the road to the bridge at 
.
Ashness Bridge is a traditional stone-built packhorse bridge and a popular site for photography, picnics and paddling. The famous view extends across Derwent Water to Keswick and Skiddaw.
Continue down the road until you reach the junction with the main road. Cross over to the boat landing. Alternatively, to return to the Kettlewell car park, turn sharp left and follow the main road and lakeside path back to the car park.
