Van Miles

Some Lake District weekends leave a lasting impression, and our recent stay in Borrowdale was definitely one of them. Surrounded by towering fells, ancient woodlands and some of the most stunning scenery in the Lakes, it was the perfect escape.

We based ourselves at Chapel House Farm, a simple, back-to-basics campsite in the heart of the valley. With no electric hook-up and basic facilities, it certainly isn’t luxury camping, but at just £10 per person per night, it offered fantastic value and an unbeatable location.

The real highlight of the weekend was exploring the surrounding area. Borrowdale is often described as one of the most beautiful valleys in England, and it’s easy to see why. Everywhere you look there are dramatic mountain views, dry stone walls and peaceful walking trails.

A short drive from Borrowdale takes you over the dramatic Honister Pass and down into Buttermere. The drive is only around 9 miles and takes approximately 20 minutes, but you’ll want to allow longer as the views are simply breathtaking. Honister Pass is one of the Lake District’s most famous mountain roads, with steep winding sections, rugged scenery and countless opportunities to stop and take in the spectacular landscape. For us, the drive over the pass was an experience in itself and one of the highlights of the weekend.

Buttermere is one of my favourite spots in the Lake District. We spent time walking around the lake and visiting the famous infinity pools tucked away in the hills above. The scenery was breathtaking, with crystal-clear water, rugged fells and endless views across the valley.

One of the best things about staying in Borrowdale is that you can leave the car behind. There are plenty of walks straight from the campsite, making it easy to spend the day exploring without having to drive anywhere.

After a day on the fells, there is nothing better than relaxing in a traditional Lakeland pub. Both The Yew Tree and the Glaramara Hotel are within walking distance of the campsite and were extremely dog friendly, making them ideal for anyone visiting with four-legged companions.

The Yew Tree was a particular highlight. We weren’t expecting to find such a lovely beer garden, complete with a small stream running through it. It was the perfect place to sit with a drink after a day exploring Borrowdale and Buttermere.

If you’re looking for a peaceful Lake District escape filled with beautiful walks, stunning scenery and traditional Lakeland charm, Borrowdale and Buttermere are hard to beat.

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