Bowder Stone

A Fun Mini Adventure

If you're looking for a short but exciting walk in the Lake District, the Bowder Stone in Borrowdale is one of our favourite little adventures to do as a family. It’s a quick stop that offers big rewards – and it's perfect for curious kids, photographers, and anyone who loves quirky natural landmarks.

We parked at the Bowderstone Car Park (National Trust – postcode CA12 5XB) which is easy to find and a great starting point. From here, it's about a 10-minute walk to reach the stone. The route is really well signposted, and the track is steep in parts but well surfaced, making it accessible for most families with older kids or adventurous little legs.

Walk to the Bowder Stone

As you leave the car park, you’ll head up past an old quarry. It’s a fun spot to pause and take a look – especially if you're lucky enough to spot people abseiling down the rock face nearby! Our children loved watching them in action. It adds a little sense of adventure even before you reach the main attraction.

What is the Bowder Stone?

The Bowder Stone is a giant, freestanding boulder that has sat in Borrowdale for thousands of years. It’s made of volcanic rock (most likely andesite) and weighs around 2,000 tons. Standing roughly 30 feet high, 50 feet across, and with a circumference of 90 feet, it’s a seriously impressive sight!

No one knows for sure how it got here – some believe it was left by a glacier during the last Ice Age, while others say it fell from Bowder Crag in a dramatic rockfall. However it arrived, it’s been a popular tourist stop since the 18th century.

Are You Feeling Brave!

One of the coolest things about visiting the Bowder Stone is the set of metal steps leading right to the top. If you’ve got a head for heights, you can climb up and stand right on top of the rock! From there, you’ll get a unique view of the surrounding woodland and fells.

And don’t forget to take the iconic photo – the one where it looks like you're holding up the giant boulder with one hand! It’s perched on its edge in such a way that it looks like it's perfectly balanced, making for a brilliant family snapshot.

Why We Love It

  • ✅ Short, family-friendly walk

  • ✅ Free to explore (car park is paid unless you're a National Trust member)

  • ✅ Great photo opportunity

  • ✅ Steps to the top for an adventurous climb

  • ✅ Beautiful Borrowdale surroundings

Top Tips

  • 🥾 Sturdy shoes are helpful – the track is short but can be a little steep.

  • 📸 Bring a camera or phone – this is one of those “must-get-a-picture” places!

  • ☕ There aren’t any facilities right at the car park, so pack drinks or snacks if you fancy a little picnic.

  • 🐾 Dog-friendly! our dogs loved sniffing around the area.

Whether you’re passing through Borrowdale or planning a fun family day out in the Lake District, the Bowder Stone is one of those hidden gems that’s easy to miss – but totally worth stopping for. It’s a simple way to enjoy a bit of local history, a gentle walk, and a giant rock that somehow looks like it's frozen mid-tumble.

Have you been to the Bowder Stone? Let us know over on Instagram @LakeDistrictShare – we’d love to see your balancing photos!

or share your adventure on our Lake District Facebook Group @LakeDistrictShare