Skip to content
A view of the Seathwaite Valley in Borrowdale on a wet day in winter.
View of Thorneythwaite Farm in Borrowdale, Cumbria | © National Trust Images
Lake District

Thorneythwaite Farm Picnic and Waterfall walk

This short walk introduces you to the three parts of a hill farm – the in-bye land, the in-take land and the open fell. You will see hay meadows and wood pasture as they're gradually restored, then climb to discover a hidden valley with a beautiful waterfall – all overlooked by towering Coombe Crag.

Waterfall

The waterfall is a beautiful place to stop for a picnic at the midpoint of your walk. Please look out for the steep drops when taking photos and looking for the best spot to sit.

Total steps: 4

Total steps: 4

Start point

Seatoller National Trust car park, grid ref: NY245137

Step 1

From the car park, turn left and walk down the road. At the junction, turn right onto the road signposted 'Seathwaite 1 mile'. Go through the first wooden gate on the left onto a public footpath (this field has yurts in it April–October).

Step 2

Cross the footbridge, turn right and follow the edges of the field. Turn right again into the next field and follow the wall to the wall gap on the left. Go through two gates to join the tarmac lane.

Step 3

Turn left and walk along the lane away from the farmhouse. Following it left round a corner, continue between the walls for 0.3 miles (500m). Turn right on a public footpath signposted to Glaramara. Go through the gate and walk up a rough track as it winds up the hill and through the next two gates.

Apple trees with pink-white blossom, with a Lake District fell rising up behind them
Wild apple trees in blossom in the wood pasture at Thorneythwaite Farm | © Jonathan McMeekin

Step 4

Go through the gate in the fell wall and onto the open fell. Follow the path as it climbs until you reach a large waterfall on the left. Find a picnic spot and enjoy the sound of rushing water – just watch out for the steep drops. When ready, retrace your steps back to the car park.

Herdwick sheep at Yew Tree Farm, Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria
Look out for Herdwick sheep grazing on the open fell | © National Trust Images/Val Corbett

End point

Seatoller National Trust car park, grid ref: NY245137

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the Thorneythwaite Picnic and Waterfall walk
Map of the Thorneythwaite Picnic and Waterfall walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

A wintry view over the Upper Borrowdale Valley from the top of Castle Crag, a mountain in the Lake District.
Trail
Trail

Castle Crag from Seatoller trail: the scenic route 

If you'd like to climb Castle Crag in a more civilised way, try this walk that also provides great views across the valley.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)
A view of Seatoller farm and snow capped fells in the Borrowdale Valley in winter.
Trail
Trail

Seatoller, Styhead Tarn and Grains Gill walk 

An invigorating circular walk takes you from Seathwaite into the heart of the Lakeland fells, with peaceful tarns to picnic by and views of Great End and Great Gable.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7 (km: 11.2)
Looking out at the jetty at Brandelhow where two people are walking back on a clear winter's day
Trail
Trail

Peace How walk from High Brandelhow jetty 

From High Brandelhow jetty, follow this gentle walk to Peace How – a hill dedicated to providing tranquility after the First World War, with views to Derwent Water and Castle Crag.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 6.5 (km: 10.4)
Children looking out at the views of Derwent Water and Borrowdale from the top of Castle Crag
Trail
Trail

Borger Dalr geology walk 

Discover more about the origins of Borrowdale on the Borger Dalr geology walk. If you are lucky, you may even see a red squirrel too.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)

Get in touch

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

A group of three visitors walking at Borrowdale and Derwent Water, Cumbria

Walking in the Lake District 

From gentle ambles to more challenging hikes, these are some of the best walks to explore the heart of the Lake District.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Walkers with their dogs hiking through the snow on the fells around Watendlath on a clear day.
Article
Article

Things to see and do in Borrowdale 

Discover the top things to see and do during your visit, including scenic walks, ancient woodlands, far-reaching views and famous Lakeland highlights such as the Bowder Stone

Two dog walkers by the shore at Borrowdale and Derwent Water with the mountains in front of them
Article
Article

Things to see at Derwent Water and Keswick 

Take in the views from Friar’s Crag and visit historic sculptures on a lakeside walk around Derwent Water or set off from Keswick to explore the surrounding woodlands and fells.

A family return to their car after a winter walk in the Lake District. Two children sit in the open boot of the car as they remove their muddy boots with the help of two adults.
Article
Article

Car parks in Borrowdale and Derwent Water 

There are nine National Trust car parks in Borrowdale and Derwent Water to choose from. Find out how to find them and how much parking costs.