Of all the walks I have covered in this series few are more beautiful or more historic than this one.

Although it is long in terms of the mileage covered, it is not strenuous and there are only a couple of gentle ascents.

It is, however, very much of a summer and early autumn walk because those who follow this well marked route do need to allow plenty of time.

How to get there: The best starting point is by Derwent Water using the lakeside car park at Kettlewell.

This is on the eastern shore side of Derwent Water.

Refreshments: Plenty of places to picnic but there are cafes both at Watendlath and at Grange-in-Borrowdale

1. Turn right and stroll parallel to the lakeshore and follow the contour to reach the road close to the Ashness landing stage.

Some visitors prefer to arrive by ferry but this obviously adds time and the timetable needs to be carefully consulted?

Climb a set of steep steps and continue straight ahead and uphill.

Follow an obvious sign indicating Ashness Bridge and Watendlath. This old packhorse bridge is said to be one of the most photographed spans in the whole of the Lake District.

This is not a surprise but in around half a mile along the delightful line is the ‘Surprise View.’

This is just a ledge right on the side of the woodland and below is a steep drop.

From this there is a wonderful view right over Derwent Water, Keswick and beyond to Bassenthwaite.

The view is reached suddenly and hence its more dominated by a view of Skiddaw.

The track then leads through the woodland which runs parallel to the very narrow track.

2 Climb a ladder-stile and turn right over Watendlath Beck. Follow the line of the beck through woodland and across lush meadows.

Bordered by impressive crags the hamlet of Watendlath is reached in just over a mile.

The tiny hamlet is set on the banks of a pretty tarn and an area which was the setting used by Sir Hugh Walpole in his Rogue Herries series of novels.

3 Take time to explore the hamlet and pass through a gate and bear right along the margin of the tarn and follow the public bridleway sign indicating Rosthwaite.

The path climbs steadily but gently, but time needs to be taken to look back and enjoy the panoramic views of Watendlath. The route then gradually levels off and there is a gentle descent into Borrowdale.

Rosthwaite is another gloriously beautiful hamlet with white and stone buildings set amid green fields and with views of the fells, including Honister.

4 The route continues to descend, but through trees and through a more extensive woodland to reac

h a footpath signed Keswick and the Bowder Stone. At a minor road turn right and after about a quarter of a mile find a gate and a stile. Here is a National Trust sign indicating the Bowder Stone.

5 A woodland path leads to the stone, which is a huge boulder carried by a glacier and a remnant of the last ice age.

It is said to weigh in excess of 200 tons and there is a ladder leading to the top of the stone, much loved by children of all ages and photographers.

6 Rejoin the Borrowdale road and follow this while enjoying splendid views of High Spy and Maiden View on the left.

7 Turn left across the River Derwent and into Grange-in-Borrowdale. Pass through - but do take time to stop - and follow a lane for almost a mile.

8 Pass through a gate and look for a footpath sign for Lodore. Here there is one of the Lake District’s most beautiful waterfalls.

The poet Robert Southey wrote a poem about Lodore Falls for his children in the 1830s. Turn and twist through Manesty Woods and in damp places cross boardwalks and across the foot of Derwent Water.

Close to the river continue ahead to reach the Borrowdale Road.

9 Turn left and return to the car park, which is close to the Lodore Hotel and the waterfall, which so inspired Southey. You will be tired at the end of this walk but it is worth every single footfall.

Map Ref: OS Outdoor Leisure No 4, The English Lakes - North Western Area

Distance: 8 miles (not strenuous)

Time: Allow at least 5 hours because there is so much to see and to enjoy

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.