Surprise View and Lodore Falls

Joe Jackson

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Ashness Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the area and this walk starts just next to it. Standing on the rocks by the stream above the bridge offers one of the most famous views to the mighty mountain of Skiddaw and can be seen in many different postcards in the shops. This is also a perfect place to have a picnic, but take note that it can be very busy here during the height of the season! After crossing the bridge the route follows the road down to the shores of Derwent Water and then the lakeshore for a short way, which offers views of the mountains from a very different perspective.

The route then follows a path through the woodlands to the stunning Lodore Falls, which has been an attraction since Victorian times. The waterfalls cascade several times with several larger drops and this place is again a great place for a picnic.

The route continues past the falls and then gains some height near Shepherds Crag (a famous climbing crag) and through some woodlands to the Watendlath Road. The last stretch follows the road back to Ashness Bridge, but halfway along there is a stop off at Surprise View (the third and possibly best place to stop for a picnic!). The view is dramatic as you look over the cliff edge, with Derwent Water far below you and Skiddaw towering above Keswick to the north; a famous and popular stopping place – this can also be busy at peak times!

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - North West

Features

Cafe, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Mountains, National Trust, Public Transport, River, Waterfall, Wildlife, Woodland

6/23/2022 - Brian Foster

I didn't read the comments on this walk and was unaware that the bridge over the stream in the hotel grounds is private. Having walked here before, I ignored the 'Hotel guests only' sign on the gate and walked around the back of the hotel. This problem dates back many years and it would be helpful if the walk instructions could be updated to reflect the current situation.

7/31/2017 - Nicola Howarth

The bridge behind the hotel. It didn't seem to be there so after viewing the falls we just returned back to the road to continue. Behind the café, follow the wall & when you turn right to head up hill, after about 15 metres look out for the path on the right as it's easily missed. I noticed a single hawthorne bush where we turned. After a very short while we passed a bench.

6/22/2016 - Steve Waldron

The bridge has now been replaced by a brand new one.

3/25/2016 - Ian Lester

Following the 2015 flood damage the bridge at waypoint 15 is marked by the National Park as no longer in use. However the beck is passable when not in flood.