The Bowder Stone

The Bowder Stone—c. second half of 19th century and January 2022.

This huge andesite lava boulder is located in the Borrowdale valley in Cumbria, England. It was formed from lava that was ejected out of an ancient volcano.

Approximately 13,000 years ago this rock was about 200 metres above where I stand and formed part of King's How, a mountain that rises steeply on my left in the photo. The movement of a glacier shaped and fragmented the sides of the valley and possibly dislodged the Bowder Stone, which eventually fell down the mountainside at an unknown date and landed in its current position here, balanced on one edge.

The name Bowder Stone may derive from the local dialect for boulder. But there is a popular story that it derives from the Norse god, Baldr, the son of Odin. It is said that one side of the stone resembles the god's face.

The Bowder Stone is an enormous andesite lava boulder located in the scenic Borrowdale valley in Cumbria, England. This impressive geological feature was formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago, when lava was ejected from an ancient volcano and eventually solidified into the dense rock we see today. The story of the Bowder Stone’s current resting place began approximately 13,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, when glacial movement dramatically reshaped the landscape. At that time, the stone was part of King’s How, a steep mountain towering to the left of the site. As glaciers advanced and retreated, they eroded and fractured the valley sides, likely causing the Bowder Stone to break away and tumble down the mountainside. Although the exact date of its descent remains unknown, the boulder ultimately came to rest in its present location, astonishingly balanced on one of its edges.

The name “Bowder Stone” is believed to originate from the local dialect word for “boulder,” reflecting the region’s linguistic heritage. However, folklore offers a more mythical explanation: some claim the name is derived from Baldr, the Norse god of light and purity and the son of Odin. According to local legend, one side of the massive rock bears a striking resemblance to Baldr’s face, lending a mystical quality to this already awe-inspiring natural monument. Whether viewed as a geological wonder or a site of mythic resonance, the Bowder Stone continues to captivate visitors with its immense size, delicate balance, and the ancient forces that brought it to rest in the valley below.

Here are some interesting and lesser-known facts about the Bowder Stone that enhance its geological, historical, and cultural significance:

1. It’s Absolutely Massive

The Bowder Stone weighs around 2,000 tons (approx. 2 million kilograms).

It stands at about 9 meters (30 feet) high, 15 meters (50 feet) wide, and 27 meters (90 feet) in circumference.

2. You Can Climb It

A ladder was first installed in the 19th century to allow visitors to climb to the top.

Today, a sturdy staircase and a small platform still allow tourists to safely climb and enjoy a unique view from its summit.

3. A Tourist Attraction Since the 1700s

The Bowder Stone became a popular Victorian tourist destination.

In the early 1800s, Joseph Pocklington, a wealthy eccentric, promoted it as a must-see attraction and even built a hermit’s cave and a small cottage nearby to entertain and guide visitors.

4. The Hermit of Bowder Stone

For years, a hired “hermit” lived on-site to add mystery and drama to tourists' visits—dressed in rags, offering guided tours, and posing in photos with visitors.

5. Geological Origins

The stone is made of andesite lava, which is typically formed in explosive volcanic eruptions.

Its presence in Borrowdale, part of the Lake District, links to the region’s volcanic history dating back over 450 million years during the Ordovician period.

6. Norse Myth Connection

The alleged resemblance to the Norse god Baldr’s face connects the Bowder Stone to Viking mythology.

The Lake District has many Norse place names, a legacy of Viking settlers, so this story—though likely a romantic invention—ties into local cultural roots.

7. Balancing Act

Though it looks precariously perched, geologists confirm that the Bowder Stone is incredibly stable.

It’s wedged securely on its edge, thanks to the boulder’s weight distribution and the way it settled—nature’s own balancing marvel!

8. Owned by the National Trust

Today, the Bowder Stone is part of National Trust property, meaning it is protected and maintained as part of the UK’s national heritage.