Pictures of Watendlath

About Watendlath

Watendlath is a peaceful hamlet set around a trout-filled tarn, in whose waters are mirrored the surrounding fells beneath which the hamlet is crouched. Hundreds of years ago, this isolated spot belonged to the monk's of Fountains Abbey, now it is owned and preserved by the National Trust.

A place of great beauty, Watendlath's dramatic landscape inspired writer Sir Hugh Walpole to choose it as the setting for his Rogue Herries series. Foldhead Farm, seen on the approach to the village, is thought to be Rogue Herries farm in Walpole's tale of Judith Paris.

The village has a scattering of whitewashed cottages and a couple of farms. It is excellent walking country, where walks may be as gentle or as energetic as you wish. There are well signposted paths, leading you through flower scented hedgerows into magical leafy dells. A dense woodland of birch and Scots pine provides a natural habitat for squirrels, other creatures of the wild and sweetly sounding song birds. There is a track leading to Rosthwaite Village and the beautiful Lodore falls. The highest point of the walk to Rosthwaite reveals spectacular views over Borrowdale towards Lakeland's highest peaks, with ever changing light patterns dappling the magnificent slopes of Scafell, Great End and Great Gable. The road to Lodore, contrasts sharply with the trek to Rosthwaite, it is gentle and serene. The little stream that wanders from Watendlath tarn suddenly becomes a towering crescendo as it rushes between the high cliffs of Gowder and Shepherd's crag. In splendid sunlight or swirling, rain kissed mist, these falls are simply magical, an overwhelming, awe-inspiring sight.

Places to visit near Watendlath include: Derwent Water, Lingholm Gardens, Keswick, Borrowdale, The Bowder Stone and Thornthwaite Visitors Centre.