Glimpse the fascinating geological past and giant's tale surrounding the Lake District's most famous stone

The Bowder Stone is one of the Lake District’s most remarkable natural landmarks, with its dramatic geological origins, ancient volcanic history and local legend combining to make it a must-visit attraction in the Borrowdale Valley. The Bowder Stone in the Borrowdale valley in the Lake District. Image credit: @_Leesa_74 via X The Bowder Stone stands as a curious oddity from which the past geology of the present landscape of the Lake District becomes a striking focal point. The very nature of its being, upended, and balanced, perched in stark defiance amidst a lush, humble oak woodland, is dominating and awe-inspiring to visitors coming from near or far. Geology and location It is thought that the Bowder Stone tumbled down from its original position as a part of Bowder Crag following the retreat of the Borrowdale glacier between 13,500 and 10,000 years ago . The stone its is ancient in composition, comprised of andesite lava, an extrusive volcanic material, which would have strewn out of a volcanic fissure, cooled, and solidified. The 2,000 ton stone (once a raging laval effluent) dates back to between 485 and 443 million years ago (a time period known as the Ordovician). Bowder Crag and other rugged mountainous areas of the Lakes, including Scafell Pike, are comprised of the same volcanic material and form part of the ancient Borrowdale Volcanic Group. You’ll find the giant Bowder Stone nestled within a precious fragment of Atlantic oak wood habitat in the Borrowdale Valley, a stones throw away from the market town of Keswick. Visitors travelling by car might stay at the YHA Keswick hostel, from which, its takes around 13 minutes by car to reach the National Trust Bowder Stone pay and display car park. National Trust members can park for free. A path leading to the stone from the car park takes about 10 minutes to walk. Legend has it that the Bowder Stone came to be in its rather commanding position by way of a giant. At a time when human settlers were exploring the ancient lands of the Lake District, giants were already in residence and not too pleased at the arrival of these newcomers. A great battle insued, within which a giant, powerful and ardent in the protection of his land and people, hurled a great boulder at the human invaders, and thus, the Bowder Stone stands. Related article Stonehenge Altar Stone from North East Scotland, not Wales, but discovery overturns new questions For visitors today, the gigantic stone is a geological wonder and a truly memorable landmark which can be viewed from the ground and from its top via a ladder. This monument to Earth’s history is worth a visit for geology lovers and those who wish to imbibe the striking natural beauty of Lake District’s dramatic landscape.