With a rainy forecast, we didn’t venture too far or too high today.  Lodore Falls in Borrowdale, not far from Keswick was an ideal destination.  It involved a boat trip, which both kids and adults enjoyed, and the falls are in the woods, so there is some shelter from the elements.

We parked in central Keswick and walked down to the landing stages, through the pretty Hope Park.  After feeding the ducks, we hopped onto the 11am boat to Lodore.  It took 20 minutes which was just long enough for the kids to have a snack and to enjoy the views over to Catbells and beyond.  But not long enough for me to get motion sick!

At the moment (May-16) the area is still recovering from damage done by Storm Desmond in 2015, and the regular path/bridge to the falls at the back of the hotel is closed.  Not a problem, as it’s only a short walk round the front of the hotel to get there.   It does currently involve a stretch of walk on the main road, so extra care with the kiddies required on this bit.  But then it’s along a beautiful forest path, with lots of sticks and stones to collect!

500 metres max and you’re at the falls. (OS map OL4 grid reference 264188)  Our kids just love scrambling over the big rocks, and throwing stones into the water.  We would’ve spent hours there but our tummies were rumbling and we kept catching wafts of the delicious hotel food blowing in our direction!

The Lodore Falls Hotel is rather plush, and I was initially concerned that our troop of muddy boots and young kids might not mix, but they were incredibly welcoming.  We sat in the relaxed lounge area and brought our food out to us.  Delicious grub indeed. Beware of the children’s goujons. They’re actually reconstituted pink slime chicken nuggets. Other than that, great.

At 2pm we caught the boat back to Keswick and played for a while in Hope Park before saying our goodbyes and heading home.  A fantastic family walk, even if it’s raining.  Which, after all the forecasts, it never really quite managed it!

For more walks like this, stay up to date and “like” our facebook page Family Walks and Pubs in the Lake District