Lodore Falls

Lodore Falls is a waterfall in the Borrowdale valley near Derwentwater, in the Lake District, Cumbria. Fed by a beck that leaves Watendlath Tarn, it drops more than 100 feet (30 m) down a steep rocky staircase and has been a favourite short walk out of Keswick for generations.

Where does the water come from?

The stream is Watendlath Beck, which drains Watendlath Tarn on the fells above. It runs downhill, plunges through a rocky gorge on the edge of the valley and then reaches Derwentwater. The falls sit below Watendlath in lower Borrowdale, close to the Lodore Falls Hotel.

Why is it famous?

The poet Robert Southey wrote "The Cataract of Lodore" in 1820, using rhythm and a long run of rushing verbs to imitate the sound of falling water. It remains one of his best-known poems, and one account credits it with fixing the modern spelling of the name. Nineteenth-century guidebooks to the Lakes also made a point of describing the cascade.

When are the falls at their best?

Visit after heavy rain, when the cascade is full and loud. After a long dry spell the flow can shrink to a trickle, which makes the trip a letdown. Check the weather and recent rainfall before you set out.

How do you get there?

The walk is short. One route goes through a gate off the road near the Lodore Falls Hotel. Another comes down from Ashness Road, the lane that climbs towards Watendlath. A local boating guide puts the falls about 15 minutes on foot from the Lodore landing stage on Derwentwater, which suits anyone arriving by launch from Keswick. One visitor reports parking at the National Trust car park at Kettlewell and walking roughly half a mile; confirm parking details with the National Trust before you go.

Is access open to everyone?

Part of the approach crosses private land belonging to the hotel, and hotel guests can reach the falls directly. Other visitors use the public roadside path. We found no official statement on charges for non-guests, so ask at the hotel if you plan to go through its grounds. Rocks beside the water are slippery, especially in wet weather.

What else is nearby?

Derwentwater, with its islands and landing stages, is right next door. Ashness Road leads to Ashness Bridge and on to the hamlet of Watendlath, with its tarn and old packhorse bridge. Many walkers pair the short falls visit with a longer loop through the valley.

Frequently asked questions

How high are Lodore Falls? Over 30 m (100 ft) in total. Some sources quote about 90 ft for the main drop.

Is there an entry fee? No charge was found for the roadside path. For entry through hotel grounds, check with the hotel.

When should I visit? After heavy rain, when Watendlath Beck is running high. In dry spells the falls can nearly vanish.

Can I reach the falls by boat? Yes. From the Lodore landing stage on Derwentwater it is about a 15-minute walk.