Lodore Falls, Waterfall in Borrowdale, England
Lodore Falls is a waterfall in the Borrowdale valley in England, dropping around 30 m through a narrow gap between two steep rock faces. The water comes from Watendlath Tarn above and flows down into the valley below.
William Sawrey Gilpin noted his visit in 1772, describing how the stream fell between two steep rock faces. Interest in the spot grew markedly after Robert Southey published his well-known poem some decades later.
Robert Southey wrote a poem in 1820 that mimics the sound of the falling water through its rhythm and word choices. After it was published, many readers came to Borrowdale hoping to hear for themselves what the verses described.
A path alongside the road leads directly to the falls, and a National Trust car park at Kettlewell is nearby. The site sits on private land, so stick to marked paths and check any signs posted at the entrance.
The oak woodlands surrounding the falls are protected because of their scientific value as a habitat for rare plant communities. Visitors who look closely at the rocks and tree trunks will notice mosses and ferns that thrive only in very wet, sheltered conditions.
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