Day 3: Borrowdale - Thirlmere (Jennings Adventure Ale Trail - Helvellyn)

Route Essentials

Route Overview

Tucked secretively away above Borrowdale, the hamlet of Watendlath is the first target of the third day. Its pleasant setting will fortify you for the crossing of the Armboth Fells. At a moderate altitude these fells tend to get slightly overlooked which is a pity as the offer fine walking and unrestricted views before leading 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. From the Scafell Hotel walk about 100m up the valley road to the start of a bridleway on the right. Follow the bridleway over the beck and along the pleasant lane by Hazel Bank. Past Hazel Bank the bridleway climbs steadily to a broad col with superb views at Puddingstone Bank. An easy walk then leads down to the delightful hamlet and tarn at Watendlath.

2. At the back of the car park at Watendlath a bridleway climbs steeply. Follow it through a series of zig-zags to a junction. At this junction turn left off the bridleway, make the steep ascent to the summit of High Tove. This is a lofty and lonely summit and gives expansive panoramas of both the central and eastern fells. Away to the east you should be able to pick out tomorrow's high point, Helvellyn.

3. From High Tove the route leaves the main ridge and descends to the top of Fisher Gill. It is a gentle descent to start but as the gill is entered it starts to steepen. The path heads down the north side of the beck and is followed all the way down to the road at Armboth.

4. There are two choices at Armboth, you can either follow the road or the permissive footpath down by the side of Thirlmere. The lake side path is prettier whilst the road is quicker. The path or road are followed to a road junction by the dam. Turn right and follow the road over the dam. Just up hill past the end of the dam is a permissive footpath on the right. Join it and follow it south along the eastern side of Thirlmere until it swings east and climbs up to the main road. Turn left and follow it for 700m to the Kings Head.

5. Walk through the large oak door into the Kings Head and head for the lounge with its open fire and comfortable seating. Sit back and savour a wonderful, foam topped pint of Jennings ale - your reward after a long day in the fells!

Route Information

Tour Information

• Jennings Adventure Ale Trail - Helvellyn
• Day 1: Ullswater - Grasmere
• Day 2: Grasmere to Borrowdale
• Day 3: Borrowdale - Thirlmere
• Day 4: Thirlmere - Ullswater

Route Map

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