Borrowdale is the most heavily wooded area in the Lake District - which, to be fair, is a relative feature, as the park as a whole is sparsely wooded! The area has a long history of mining, and the Honister slate quarry is still active around Honister Pass, high up above the valley.
The National Trust maintains ownership over large areas of Borrowdale, and far up into Derwentwater, and does its best to preserve the scenic beauty and heritage of the area. The Trust very early on recognised the heritage value of the area, and Brandelhow Park in Borrowdale was the first area of land purchased by the Trust in the Lake District.
Among the most popular Borrowdale region attractions to visit are these areas under the care of the National Trust:
Watendlath and Surprise View - OS: NY276163. One of the classic Lake District views is from Surprise View, looking over Derwent Water to Keswick and Skiddaw. The road to Watendlath leads to a remote farm and a hanging tarn.
Brandelhow - OS: NY254206. The first Lake District landscape purchased by the National Trust. There are lovely trails along the water, with superb views to the neighbouring peaks.
Derwent Water - OS: NY263223. This beautiful lake stretches from Keswick in the north almost to Grange and the Jaws of Borrowdale in the south. There are National Trust parking areas on the east shore (they get busy, so arrive early). To the west of the lake is Catbells, a low peak providing one of the best easy walks in the park.
Force Crag Mine - OS: NY199217. The last mine to close in the Lake District. The mine opened in 1839 and operated until 1865 although it was worked intermittently until it was permanently closed 1991. Visitors can view the processing mill and the historic collection of mining gear.
Castlerigg Stone Circle - OS: NY292237. Immediately east of Keswick is this enigmatic stone circle, set in a stunning location in a bowl of fells. Without a doubt one of the most beautifully situated prehistoric monuments in Britain.
Parking is always an issue in the Lake District (which is a polite way of saying that it can be a major challenge to find a place to park). The National Trust maintains parking areas at these locations in and around Borrowdale. Free to Trust members unless noted.
National Trust Parking Areas
Great Wood: OS: NY272214
Kettlewell:OS: NY266196
Watendlath:OS: NY276163
Bowderstone:OS: NY253167
Rosthwaite: OS: NY256148
Seatoller: OS: NY245137
Honister: OS: NY225135
Seathwaite: OS: NY233125
Surprise View: OS: NY268188
Ashness: OS: NY270196
Little Town Newlands Valley: OS: NY232194
Ordnance Survey maps: Explorer 4, Landranger 90