Zero planning! Maximum memories!

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Location: Borrowdale, Lake District
Mission: Chase waterfalls & paddleboard Derwentwater
Date: Saturday, July 2025

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🌊 Waterfall Hunting… Kinda

The whole point of this trip was simple: find waterfalls and swim in them. I’ve already ticked off (and nearly died on) Scafell Pike, so this was meant to be a more relaxing adventure.

Target of the day: Lodore Falls.
Reality: Anything but Lodore Falls.

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🚗 Where I Parked

Started off parking at Bowder Stone Car Park
📍 B5289, Borrowdale, Keswick CA12
🅿️ Loads of space — free for National Trust members.

Had a quick word with the National Trust ranger, who politely let me know that the hotel now blocks public access to Lodore Falls from that side. Only way in is a 4-hour round walk from where I was. Not quite what I planned…

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🪨 Bowder Stone (Spoiler: It’s a Rock)

Made a quick detour to see Bowder Stone.
It’s a giant rock with a set of stairs up it.
The view from the top? Bang average at best.
Still — can tick it off the list.

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🤯 Surprise View = Worth It

Next stop: Surprise View Car Park
📍 B5289, Borrowdale, Keswick CA12 5UU

And I’ll be honest — this view was fucking phenomenal.
Not sure how surprising it is (clue’s in the name), but it was one of the best I’ve seen in the Lakes.

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🧭 Getting Lost (Again)

Apparently from Surprise View, there’s a trail to Lodore Falls.

Could I find it?
Could I fuck.

But honestly? I’ve never been so happy being lost.
The area had a Jurassic Park vibe, thick greenery, wild trails, and even a few bonus waterfalls I stumbled across.

I didn’t find Lodore, but I found something better — peace. And a solid 3-mile wander that I’ll 100% remember.

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🏄‍♂️ Derwentwater Paddleboard

After giving up the waterfall chase, I headed to Derwentwater for a paddleboard session.

And let me say this clearly:

I’ve never felt more at peace than I did out there on that lake.
Just me, the board, and the water.

Of course, left my Insta360 at home like a tool, so only managed a single pic instead of the footage I wanted.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

It wasn’t the day I planned…
But I wouldn’t change a single thing.

Sometimes the best days are the ones that go sideways — and this one? Easily one of my favourites.

I’ll be back in the Lakes again soon.
And one day — permanently.

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Highlights
✅ Surprise View
✅ Derwentwater paddleboard session
✅ Peaceful solo adventure
❌ Lodore Falls (next time)