5 Things to do in the Duddon Valley

Planning a trip to the Lakes but looking to get off the beaten track? Are you looking to discover a true Lake District wilderness, with remote but spectacular landscapes, with ancient rivers, wild fells and beautiful serene places to reconnect with nature and find adventure, then the Duddon Valley is for you.

Located in the south of The Lake District, the Duddon Valley is sandwiched between the more frequently visited valleys of Eskdale and Langdale. With no major towns, villages or hotels, it is often overlooked by those coming to the Lakes. But those looking for a true slice of Lakeland escapism will find the Duddon Valley is the perfect place for either a peaceful or adventure-filled self-catering holiday. With dreamy, stone cottages clustered around the magnificent river and picturesque views in every direction, the Duddon Valley is not to be missed.

Here are our 5 favourite things to do in the stunning Duddon Valley,

1. Walk to Seathwaite Tarn

Seathwaite Tarn can be reached in under an hour from the parking area at the base of the Walna Scar Road near Seathwaite village in the Duddon Valley, making it an achievable walk for those with younger children in tow. To reach the parking area, if heading north up the Duddon valley, after passing through Seathwaite, take the road on the right sign-posted “Coniston, unfit for cars”. The tarmacked road comes to an end through a gate and there are several informal places to park. From the parking area, the track straight ahead and uphill is the ancient packhorse route the Walna Scar Road to Coniston. The track on the left which crosses the bridge leads to Seathwaite Tarn and it’s a very simple matter of following this track all the way up to the tarn itself. The picturesque tarn is usually deserted, even on the busiest of Bank Holidays, and is surrounded by dramatic mountains making it a great spot for a family picnic (the tarn is now a reservoir so there is no swimming permitted). When ready retrace  your steps back to the parking area.

Or for those looking for a more serious hike, then a great day’s walking can be found by walking left in a northerly direction along dam path, then heading left again up the fellside to the ridge leading to the summit of Grey Friar on your right. From Grey Friar head east on the obvious path to reach Great Carrs, then following the ridge south to Swirl How, continue south again to Brim Fell, then west to down to Goat Hawes then up to Dow Crag. Continue south from Dow Crag across Brown Pike and Buck Pike to join the Walna Scar road heading west back to the parking area where you started.

2. Go wild-swimming

The Duddon Valley offers some truly wild wild-swimming. Towards the Duddon Estuary in the south, the river widens and banked by wide grassy areas, perfect for family-friendly paddling, or gentle dipping.

Further up the valley the river carves its way through atmospheric forests, meandering past enormous ancient boulders, varying between quiet pools and gushing cascades, creating some magical spots for wild-swimming with a genuinely pre-historic vibe. To reach this part of the river, we recommending parking near Holy Trinity Chucrh in Seathwaite. A few meters south of the Church a stile on the opposite side of the road leads to a field. Skirt the field and take the path which crossed a wooden footbridge. Continue on the path through the woods initially before reaching a narrow stone  footbridge crossing the river Duddon. Cross the bridge and turn right, following the river upstream. You’ll reach a stretch of the river less frequented by visitors due to its foot only access and be rewarded with some uniquely wild swimming spots between staggeringly huge boulders.

Higher up the valley still, at places such as Birks Bridge, the river narrows between steep rocky walls, creating deep, dark pools for some truly adventurous wild-swimming with parking available at the Forestry Commission’s Birks Bridge Car Park.

3. Picnic by the river

Imgaine it; you’re in the Lake District, the sky is blue, the sun is blazing and it’s too hot to hike (yes it can happen). So what do you do? Well, those in the know head to the Duddon Valley. The clear water of the River Duddon is cool on the hottest of days. And there are plenty of places on the grassy riverbanks to wile away the hours. Some of the most popular picnic places are around the hamlet of Ulpha, towards the southern end of the valley. Bring your picnic blanket, or some deckchairs, a good book (or a bad one if preferred) and spend a highly enjoyable and relaxing day being ‘busy doing nothing’ by the river. After all, you’re on holiday!

4.  Take on Hardknott Pass

At the northern end of the beautiful Duddon Valley there are two notorious mountain passes – Wrynose pass to the east, and Hardknott Pass to the west. Heading west over Wrynose pass will take you to the spectacular Langdale Valley, which is not to be missed on any visit to the Lakes. While heading west on Hardknott pass will deliver you into the serene and green valley of Eskdale. If you’re a cyclist looking for a serious challenge, then you’ll certainly find one on the 33% gradient. The route is also popular with motor cyclists looking for the excitement of tackling some hair-raising hairpin bends. Car drivers too are keen to take on these legendary passes with jaw-dropping scenery and unique driving challenges. Both routes are on single track roads and should not be attempted during wintry weather or when warnings are in place.  But if the weather is willing (and your passengers are too), then taking on the joint steepest road is England is an adventure you’re likely never to forget.

5. Hike to Stickle Pike

A circular walk up the prominent peak of Stickle Pike (not to be confused with Pike O’ Stickle in neighbouring Langdale), is around a 3 hour walk along quiet footpaths in beautiful, wild scenery. This 5 mile walk starts near the cattle grid on the road at Low Whinery in-between Ulpha and Duddon Bridge. There is a parking area near the start of the walk on the Ulpha side. A footpath leads up from the road into the Dunnerdale Fells and heads towards, then runs underneath, Great Stickle (you can divert to this Wainwright Outlying summit if you wish).  

From Great Stickle the path heads north towards the cone shaped Stickle Pike, which is the highest point within this small collection of fells. The path takes a steep diversion up to the compact summit before descending to the minor road below for a short time. Leave the road to the left before you each the cattle grid. The path is indistinct at times but becomes more defined as it descends towards a cottage before becoming a narrow lane leading off the road to the cottage. Upon reaching the road turn left to follow it back up to the parking area.