natural environment of borrowdale...
Borrowdale is renowned for its ancient atlantic oak woodlands. These are the last remnants of the temperate rainforests that once covered the western coasts of Britain. The woods, dominated by sessile oaks, provide a unique habitat for rare liverworts, lichens, ferns and mosses and are rich in insect and bird life.
Borrowdale is a glacial landscape. Evidence of the last Ice Age is everywhere - classic U-shaped valleys, roches moutonées (ice-smoothed rock outcrops), hanging valleys and abandoned erratics (large boulders dumped by the retreating ice). Glaciers once gouged their way through this valley, plucking off lumps of rock, polishing exposed outcrops and stripping top soils. When the ice began to melt 10,000 years ago, all this eroded material was dumped in the form of moraines (linear ridges), at least three have been identified in the Rosthwaite area.
The Bowder Stone (NY 254 164), a huge boulder of some 1250 tons, is seemingly precariously balanced on one corner. At the bottom, if you dare to do so, it is just possible to shake hands with someone on the other side.
The glacial lake of Derwentwater was once joined to Bassenthwaite Lake until river-borne deposits silted up the section to the west of Keswick. .
The lake contains four islands; Derwent Island, St Herbert's Island (named after a hermit who once lived there), Lord's Island (the site of the first smelter in Keswick) and Rampsholme Island. The best way to enjoy Derwentwater is by a cruise on the Keswick Launch.
One of Wainwright's favourite hills overlooking Derwentwater is Cat Bells. This is a lovely hill to climb, ideal for families. The top has a great view point of the surrounding area.
The Borrowdale Yews are a well-known grouping of ancient yews on the fellside near Seathwaite. The original four trees, immortalised by Wordsworth, are now down to three.
But worthier still of note
Are those fraternal Four of Borrowdale
Joined in one solemn and capacious grove
Huge trunks! and each particular trunk a growth
Of intertwisted fibres serpentine.
Sadly, the Yews were badly damaged in a storm in 2005 but you may still wish to seek them out - they can be reached by following a public footpath from Seathwaite.
Lodore Falls are an impressive sight after heavy rain, when the waters of Watendlath Beck discharge their load over the edge of the hanging valley.
