An impressive natural sight with a steep and rocky path
4
4
Date of visit: December 2022
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
This is an incredible natural sight right in heart of Borrowdale. Amazing views but a tricky path to navigate.
Disabled Access In and Around
Poor
The route to the stone is described as a route for some by Miles Without Stiles. Miles Without Stiles describes the route saying "From the car-park there is a steep but short and well surfaced track that passes an old quarry, with some steep steps to reach the start of the walk - look out for groups practising abseiling. For a step-free alternative, follow the car-park access track back to the main road but be aware that this descent is approximately a 1 in 5 gradient and opens out on to the road. Turn left and carefully go along the roadside for 40 metres until you get onto the surfaced roadside verge that then leads onto the start of the main path." Once on the main path "The track undulates with several sections of 1:8 up to 90m in length but the surface is generally good. It leads to a small plateau and the impressive Bowderstone." (Miles Without Stiles). Please note the track is described as generally good however there were large rocks and gravel which my manual wheelchair really struggled with. As an ambulatory wheelchair user I was able to get out and walk on the parts of the path unsuitable for my manual wheelchair. But I was not able to use my wheelchair the whole way. You may manage the entire path in a power chair (but please don't take my word on this). Miles Without Stiles do state "The onward footpath is steep, rocky and does not meet our Miles Without Stiles accessible route standards." Link to Miles Without Stiles: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/walking/mileswithoutstiles/mws35
Parking & Transport
Average
There is a National Trust pay and display car park. Postcode: CA12 5XA The car park is £5 unless you are a National Trust member or have a blue badge. You will need cash if you have to pay as there isn't an option for card payments.
Accessible Toilets
0There are no toilets or facilities close to The Bowder Stone
