Things to do in Rosthwaite, Borrowdale

Scaleclose Force is a secluded waterfall located on Scaleclose Gill in the Borrowdale valley of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. The waterfall lies near the village of Rosthwaite, one of the principal settlements in Borrowdale, positioned at OS grid reference NY246147. This cascade represents one of numerous waterfalls that grace the steep-sided valleys draining into Borrowdale, though it remains relatively lesser-known compared to some of its more famous neighbors in this valley renowned for its dramatic scenery and abundant waterfalls. The fall tumbles down the rocky fellside in a series of drops, with the water cascading over dark volcanic rocks characteristic of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group that dominates the geology of this part of the Lake District. Scaleclose Gill descends from the high fells to the west of Rosthwaite, draining a relatively modest upland catchment area. The stream gathers water from the slopes above before making its steep descent toward the valley floor, where it eventually joins the River Derwent, the main watercourse flowing through Borrowdale. Like many Lake District becks, Scaleclose Gill's flow varies considerably with rainfall and seasonal conditions. During periods of heavy rain or after snowmelt in late winter and spring, the gill can become a torrent, with Scaleclose Force displaying impressive power and volume as white water crashes over the rock faces. In drier summer conditions, the flow may diminish to a more modest stream, though the waterfall typically maintains its appeal throughout the year. The surrounding landscape is quintessentially Lakeland in character, with the waterfall set among mixed woodland and bracken-covered slopes. The geology of the area is dominated by the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, a sequence of ancient volcanic rocks formed during the Ordovician period approximately 450 million years ago. These hard, erosion-resistant rocks create the dramatic topography of central Lakeland, with their varied composition of lavas, tuffs, and volcanic sediments producing the rugged crags and steep-sided valleys that characterize Borrowdale. The rocks over which Scaleclose Force tumbles show the typical grey-green coloration of these ancient volcanic formations, often covered with mosses and lichens that thrive in the permanently damp conditions beside the waterfall. Rosthwaite village, the nearest settlement to Scaleclose Force, has long served as a base for walkers and climbers exploring the Borrowdale valley and the surrounding fells. The village sits in a relatively level area of the valley floor, surrounded by some of the Lake District's most iconic peaks. The area has been inhabited and farmed for centuries, with the traditional Lakeland farming landscape of stone walls, fell grazing, and valley-floor meadows still evident today. The scattered farmsteads and their associated woodlands create a patchwork landscape that provides habitat for diverse wildlife, including typical upland birds such as buzzards, ravens, and various woodland species that inhabit the gill woodlands. Access to Scaleclose Force involves leaving the main valley road near Rosthwaite and following paths that lead toward the western side of the valley. The waterfall can be reached via footpaths from Rosthwaite village, though visitors should be prepared for typical Lake District fell walking conditions, including potentially muddy or slippery paths, particularly after rain. The gill and its waterfall lie in a relatively steep-sided clough, and care should be taken when approaching the water, especially when rocks are wet. Rosthwaite itself offers limited parking for visitors, with a small car park serving the village, though this can fill quickly during peak tourist season. The village has basic facilities including accommodation options and is well-positioned on popular walking routes through Borrowdale. The Borrowdale valley has attracted visitors for centuries, with the picturesque scenery drawing early tourists during the development of the Romantic movement's appreciation for wild landscapes in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Writers and artists came to capture the dramatic scenery, with the valley's combination of crags, woods, and waterfalls epitomizing the romantic ideal of sublime landscape. While Scaleclose Force itself may not have achieved the fame of some larger or more accessible waterfalls in the valley, it forms part of this rich landscape heritage. The valley's appeal has continued into the modern era, with Borrowdale recognized as one of the Lake District's most beautiful valleys and protected within the National Park. The ecology around Scaleclose Gill includes typical Lake District upland and woodland habitats. The stream-side environment supports ferns, mosses, and flowering plants adapted to the damp, shaded conditions, while the surrounding slopes feature a mix of native broadleaved trees, including oak, ash, and birch, along with extensive areas of bracken on the more open fellsides. The gill provides habitat for aquatic invertebrates and may support small fish populations in its lower reaches. Birds associated with upland streams and woodlands can be observed in the area, and the surrounding fells are grazed by hardy Herdwick sheep, the traditional breed of the Lake District fells, whose grazing helps maintain the characteristic landscape.