Borrowdale River & Caves [Seatoller] - National Park Guided Walk

Start point: National Trust Car Park, Seatoller, Borrowdale Valley

Length: 9km (5.5 miles) with 267m (1,525ft) of ascent

Time: 5.5 hours (approx.)

Walk grade: 4 (see grade description below)

This walk begins by following an elevated path which runs along the beautiful Borrowdale Valley. The panaromic views from the path are superb.

Continuing on past the base of Castle Crag, the path dips down to reach the River Derwent. Sticking close to the burbling course of the Derwent, the walk reaches a disused quarry and it's here that we'll find Millican Dalton's cave, the former home to the self proclaimed Professor of Adventure.

Keeping the river on our left, the walk then passes the charming YHA Borrowdale - a perfect place for an ice-cream stop. The path along the river continues back to Seatoller, with one chain-assisted rocky section.

The terrain is a mixture of rough stone and tree roots. There's a single very short rocky section on the return path beside the river, where a chain has been fixed to the rock to help walkers negotiate this trickier bit.

Grade 4 walks are generally full day walks that include hilly ground and require a reasonable level of fitness. You might encounter climbs up some steeper sections. The surfaces may be rough and uneven, with rocky or muddy sections, and you may also find yourself walking up irregular steps.

Participants will need to dress appropriately for the terrain and weather. Weather permitting, we will be stopping for a short break on route so please bring refreshments if you wish.

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