Day 1: Borrowdale - Thirlmere (Jennings Adventure Ale Trail - Borrowdale)

Route Essentials

Route Overview

After a nights rest in the Borrowdale Valley (at either the Borrowdale Hotel or the Lodore Falls Hotel) step out into a landscape of inspirational, beautiful views. The first day consists of a warm up through a delightful mixture of woodland, crag and beck, up the flanks of Borrowdale and then gets into stride with a high level, view-filled walk over the unassuming peaks of High Seat and High Tove to the Kings Head at Thirlspot.

Before setting off please make sure you plot the suggested route on OS maps and pack a compass. They are essential for a safe, enjoyable day in the hills!

Route Details

1. After a night relaxing and sampling Jennings award winning Cumberland Ale (silver medallist in the International Beer Awards…!) it's time to explore the dramatic landscape of the Borrowdale Valley. Follow the path through the trees behind the Borrowdale Hotel; take it steady as the first bit is steep. Climb through a series of hair pins on to Moss Mire, then through the trees of Mossmire Coppice to cross a footbridge over Watendlath Beck. Follow the path through the trees to join the road. Continue to Ashness Bridge, stopping to take in the view of Derwentwater and Skiddaw at 'Surprise View'. Near Ashness Bridge is a small cairn commemorating Bob Graham's 1932 fell run - 42 Lakeland peaks in less than 24 hours!

2. Cross over Ashness Bridge and take the path 50m on the right. Follows it as it gains height by traversing up the fell side and across the top of Falcon Crag. As you near Cat Gill turn right and climb the open fellside past a craggy knoll and sheepfold and make directly for the dommed summit of Bleaberry Fell.

3. This is the first proper summit on the main ridge of the Armboth Fells. The crest of the ridge is broad and flat, a path weaves along it to the summit of High Seat and then to High Tove. From High Tove descend to the top of Fisher Gill. The path then heads down the north side of the beck all the way to the road at Armboth.

4. Either follow the road or a permissive path by the side of Thirlmere to a road junction by the dam, turn right, follow the road over the dam. Thirlmere was dammed in 1894 to provide water for Manchester. The dam is 857 feet long, 104 feet high and the water flows by gravity along a 100 mile long aqueduct. Join the permissive footpath on the right along the eastern side of Thirlmere, swing east to the main road. Turn left; follow the A591 to the Kings Head.

5. Walk through the large oak door into the reception area, turn right into the lounge where there is an open fire and comfortable seating - really weary walkers could even lay on the chaise lounge in the bay window! Then head to the newly refurbished bar/restaurant area with its Kirkstone green slate floor.

6. Your eye is met with the golden peak of the Jennings hand pull. Your journey is complete and a beautiful, foam-topped pint of Jennings Ale is your reward. Close your eyes and savour the taste.

Route Information

Tour Information

• Jennings Adventure Ale Trail - Borrowdale
• Day 1: Borrowdale - Thirlmere
• Day 2: Thirlmere - Borrowdale

Route Map

• Start point: (near Borrowdale)
• End point: