"If the Lake District is the most beautiful corner of England, then Borrowdale is the most beautiful corner of the most beautiful corner of England."

Borrowdale ~ Aspects of a Lakeland valley by Andrew Warner

Borrowdale is the ideal place for those who want a leisurely holiday as well as those who want the high adventure of the fells and crags. Take time to walk by the lake and river, enjoying the wildlife and spectacular views of Skiddaw. Then make your way back on the Keswick launch which sails regularly around the lake, calling at various jetties, the closest to Leathes Cottage being only ten minutes walk away.
Make sure you include in your rambling one of the local tea shops where you can indulge your taste buds with delicious light meals and cakes.

For climbers, Borrowdale is packed with crags suitable for every level. Popular Shepherd's Crag is only ten minutes walk away, and the imposing Black Crag looks down on the cottage from the ridge behind. For children and beginners, Wodens Face near the Bowderstone provides some easy single pitch routes, whilst the testing problems of the Bowderstone itself and the test pieces of Goat Crag are just thirty minutes on foot from Leathes Cottage.

The Lake District offers some of the finest walking in England, and with walks up Skiddaw, Great Gable, High Stile and Scafell all starting on our doorstep or within a short drive of Leathes Cottage, the combinations of routes in and around the fells are numerous. Regular buses run throughout the valley and into neighbouring Buttermere all day and into the evening, so if you wish you can leave the car behind. Check out the local weather supplied by George Fishers of Keswick

Down by the lake, Kayaks and Canoes can be hired from the nearby launch jetty, and your own dinghies and yachts can be launched a little further along at the Kettlewell public beach.

If your sport is cycling then a multitude of routes can either start from, or just potter around Borrowdale. The Sustrans Coast to Coast off-road cycle route passes through Keswick, just four miles to the North, and whilst the Valley can be cycled on undulating roads, if you want to test your legs, the 3 mile on-road or off-road pull up the Honistor Pass will reward you with beautiful views down to Buttermere and Crummock Water, as well as a high speed descent of the other side!

Evenings can be spent in one of the many restaurants in the Valley, several of which are in walking distance of Leathes Cottage, or in the nearby town of Keswick.
Alternatively, enjoy one of the many professional productions at Keswick's Theatre By The Lake.

For those who wish to venture further afield, days trips can be taken to Cockermouth, the South Lakes, the market town of Penrith, the Cumbrian coast, Carlisle, the Eden Valley, Mire House and the IMAX cinema at Rheged Visitor Centre.