Pictures of Grange in Borrowdale

About Grange in Borrowdale

There is a point where Borrowdale opens out to meet the shore of Derwent Water and it is here that the village of Grange lies in a landscape of towering splendour. Grange itself rises only 250ft above sea level but the scree-covered slopes, covered in turf and bracken soar majestically immediately behind the village and little more than a mile away peaks rise in grandeur to a height of over 2,000ft.

From here the River Derwent flows into Derwent Water and the Waters, with the sun shining down, giving them a copper-like glint,
present a magnificent picture.

Borrowdale is part of the unique volcanic landscape of the Lake District. The volcanic rock provides some of the world's finest roofing slates; those from the Borrowdale-Butterworth group of quarries are brilliant green in colour.

Mining has been important in these fells since roman times. Queen Elizabeth 1st is said to have imported workers here from Germany. By the mid 1560's furnaces were working in Keswick, smelting iron ore. The famous Graphite mine, higher up in Borrowdale at Seathwaite, is known in more recent times for the lead pencil industry based in Keswick but during the 18th-century this mine was used for casting Cannon Balls.

The clear, pebble bedded River Derwent is spanned by a graceful but narrow bridge and it is this that links Grange to the Keswick Road.

All around this area are wonderful vistas with old whitewashed cottages dotted here and there. Many of these cottages have remained unchanged for years and present a picture of quiet tranquility - in the winter months these cottages are aglow with twinking lights and smoke pouring from the chimney. Some, still have a Donkey or two roaming in the garden reminding one of the times when these small, scattered villages, could only be reached on foot or by horseback and these gentle animals carried goods brought in from neighbouring towns and villages.

The fells around here provide fine walking country. The air is fresh and bracing and there are wonderful views all around. It is a peaceful place and as such, Grange is a joy to visit at any time of year.