The waters of the river have their origins over a wide area of the central massif of the Lake District north of Esk Hause and Stake Pass.

The valley then opens out around Grange before the river empties into Derwentwater, overlooked by Catbells, Skiddaw and Walla Crag.

The B5289 road runs down the full length of the valley, and at the southern end crosses the Honister Pass to Buttermere.

Borrowdale is within the Penrith and Solway UK parliamentary constituency, while for Local Government purposes it is within the Cumberland unitary authority area.

[1] The civil parish of Borrowdale covers a considerable area around the valley, including the southern half of Derwent Water.

[4] The valley is currently a tourist location with hotels, guesthouses, holiday cottages, bed and breakfasts, youth hostels and campsites.