Exploring the Duddon Valley – The Lake District’s Best Kept Secret

Nestled in a secluded nook of southern Cumbria, the Duddon estuary separates the Furness peninsula from the southwest coast. Originating high on Wrynose Pass, the picturesque Duddon River snakes its way through the fells on the fringes of the Lake District south towards the Irish Sea.

This remote region is known as the Duddon Valley, or Dunnerdale. While the national park hotspots like Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick see huge visitor numbers all year round, secret spots such as this also offer natural beauty and rural charm, with none of the crowds, traffic and general hubbub. We’d class this as a true Lake District hidden gem (you can read more about these in our blog about the best towns and villages in the Lake District), that is well worth a visit.

Those who do know about this beautifully tranquil valley come here to enjoy incredible walking, cycling and climbing, canoeing and kayaking on the river rapids, and wonderfully wild swimming amongst the river boulders, bridges and natural pools.

Encircled at its head by the Dunnerdale fells of Harter Fell, Hard Knott, Ulpha Fell and Grey Friar, the valley curls along the River Duddon as it meanders down towards the coast at Duddon Sands, where the wide sandy estuary meets the mud flats exposed at low tide. Duddon Sands is also the name of the offshore wind farm which hovers ethereally on the horizon southwest of Walney Island. The Duddon Valley may have no lake of its own, but there is no shortage of high peaks, stunning scenery and open space, making Dunnerdale a haven for plant, animal and birdlife.

With plenty of reasons to visit the Duddon Valley listed already, let us tell you more about this picturesque corner of the Lakes, where the mountains meet the sands.

How to get here

Broughton-in-Furness is the main town in the area, which sits northeast of the estuary just off the A595, the main thoroughfare across the south of Cumbria, separating the national park from the sea. Exit the M6 at junction 36 and travel west along the A590 past Levens and Newby Bridge, before taking a right onto the A5092 at Greenodd, which skirts the Lakes boundary past Duddon Mosses National Nature Reserve. At Grizebeck, pick up the A595 going northwest to find Broughton-in-Furness.

Further along the main road from here is Duddon Bridge, where you can turn north deeper into the valley towards Ulpha. From here, at Seathwaite, Duddon Valley (not to be confused with Seathwaite, Keswick), the valley tapers northeast towards Wrynose Pass, and Little Langdale, and northwest towards Hardknott Pass, leading to Devoke Water and Eskdale. The infamous mountain passes of Hardknott and Wrynose boast some of the most dramatic drives in the Lakes and offer access to the soaring peaks secreted away in the middle of the national park.

To access the stunning west coast of Cumbria from Dunnerdale, continue past Duddon Bridge on the A595, where hundreds of miles of coastline open up in front of you, overlooked by the remote western fells of the Lake District.

Things to do in the Duddon Valley

From sandy mud flats and coastal birdlife to lush valley floors, rocky crags and narrow passes, Dunnerdale is a diverse region revered by hikers, paddlers, cyclists and nature-lovers, all looking to escape the masses. You can happily trek in the north of the Duddon Valley without seeing another person – bliss!

Walking

Walks in the Duddon Valley treat visitors with spectacular scenery and a chance to climb fells of all shapes and sizes. You can summit 600m plus peaks here, or stick to the smaller hills, dotted with remote farms, babbling brooks and miles of rambling dry stone walls. Duddon Valley walks offer a more intimate connection with the natural landscape as there are fewer people, traffic and noise to distract you from enjoying your hike. Dotted with little pools, cliffs and giant boulders, the river is the perfect picnic spot to rest your legs and cool your feet.

Wild Swimming

Or why not take a dip instead?! Here is the perfect place to enjoy a wild swim. Head to Birks Bridge Duddon, to find sparkling pools, giant boulders – great for jumping off into deep water. Or access the river from Ulpha Bridge, Seathwaite Bridge or upstream of Fickle Steps along the route to Wallowbarrow Gorge for a cheeky dip. With few people to see you and a backdrop of gorgeous peaks, this off-the-beaten-track paradise is unmissable for wild swimming enthusiasts.

Fishing

River Duddon fishing is a popular pursuit along the scenic stretches of water here, or try fishing at Seathwaite Tarn, further inland. Permits can be obtained locally from Millom and District Angling Association or The Newfield Inn, Seathwaite, depending on where you want to go. Yielding mostly wild brown trout with the occasional sea trout or salmon, fly fishing is most common, and catch and release is encouraged to preserve local populations.

Cycling

Cycling in the Duddon Valley is both beautifully scenic and incredibly challenging, with high mountain passes and long stretches of undisturbed roads. Whether you’re into the iconic climbs of Wrynose and Hardknott or the slower meanders of the lower valley, riding here is great fun and not to be missed if you prefer travelling on two wheels to two feet.

Mountain Climbing

From a topographical point of view, Duddon Valley has it all. Short scrambles over large boulders to longer ascents up rocky ridges and curvy crags – whatever you’re into, you’ll find it here. Not surprisingly, this area is popular with climbers seeking quieter routes without compromising on difficulty or variety. Wallowbarrow Crag (or Wallabarrow – as there is usually more than one way to spell a place in Cumbria!) is particularly enjoyable, as are the unique buttresses on Dow Crag and Harter Fell.

Events

Each May, trail runners from all over meet to compete in the Duddon Valley Fell Race, an 18 mile race over the fells of Harter, Hardknott, Little Strand, Swirl How, Dow Crag, White Pike and Caw. A shorter 10 mile version offers a mere 900m of ascent, rather than the 1,800m of ascent of the longer route, but both attract keen runners and their spectators, who brave the terrain to enter this classic Lake District race.

Where to stay in Duddon

Choosing where to stay in Duddon depends on what you want from your holiday. There aren’t many hotels or bed and breakfasts in the area with Duddon Valley holiday cottages making up the majority of accommodation options. If you’re looking for a secluded sanctuary, then a cottage somewhere around Seathwaite Tarn will probably suit you best. Those looking for better access to amenities may enjoy the market town of Broughton-in-Furness more. Duddon Bridge offers a balance of the two, as a quieter base that’s easily accessible.

For camping, Duddon Valley has a couple of sites around the estuary and there are one or two high in the valley. Campsites are generally on farms, offering small camping fields with limited facilities but make an excellent base for exploring for those who enjoy sleeping under the stars.

Make sure to prepare adequately for your self-catering stay, as Duddon Valley cottages aren’t typically walking distance from a shop or restaurant, so plan meals and bring provisions with you. A major benefit of staying here is the freedom holiday cottages offer, you can come and go as you please, eat when you want and relax in peace in your own private hot tub after a long day exploring. For Lake District holiday cottages, Duddon Valley is a real gem of a place for exploring somewhere new.

Where to eat in the Duddon Valley

Again, dining options are limited here but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a decent meal out. The Newfield Inn, Duddon Valley, is a highlight, hidden away in Seathwaite with a pretty beer garden and children’s play area. You’ll find local ales on tap and food served all day to those passing through.

Aside from this, there are a couple of pubs and a café in Broughton-in-Furness. Travel further afield to Millom, around 15 minutes’ drive away, for takeaways and more pub options, or seek out one of the country pubs dotted throughout the countryside in the neighbouring valleys.

To the south, Cartmel offers Michelin-starred fine dining and is around 40 minutes drive away, or to the north, Coniston is a pretty place to have dinner and is slightly closer.

Best time to visit Dunnerdale

Dunnerdale is a lovely place to visit any time of year! In the winter months, the mountain passes become treacherous with snow and ice so staying closer to the estuary is a good idea, but if you’re looking for a winter retreat to hibernate in, this is the perfect place. Spring brings bulbs bursting with colour and summer is a great time for a wild swim. Autumn and the changing trees are not to be missed here either. There is no peak season as such in the Duddon Valley, which means whenever you choose to stay, you’ll generally be undisturbed.

Places to visit nearby

If you’re looking to explore outside of the valley itself, take a trip along the coast to RSPB Hodbarrow and walk around the natural lagoon there. You can stop for a cold drink at the bar along the route. Head further round the coast to Haverigg Beach where the pretty sandy beach stretches for miles, surrounded by dunes teeming with birds. You can also grab fish and chips for tea here too.

Go see the seals on Walney Island off the tip of Barrow-in Furness and enjoy the views of the estuary along the way. Further inland to the north, Langdale, Coniston and Tarn Hows are all less than 30 minutes’ drive away, meaning you can enjoy the more popular places of the Lake District before retreating to your Duddon hideaway.

Closer to home, Swinside Stone Circle is worth a wander and easy to get to. You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views across the water from this elevated position too. Further up the valley, Dunnerdale Forest stretches along the lower slopes of Harter Fell, and some great walking routes around here follow the river and explore the woodland. Park at Birks Bridge and spend the day here to fully appreciate the wonderfully wild landscape.

Coppermines Cottages in Duddon

We highly rate the Duddon Valley Lake District area, and love hearing feedback from guests who’ve enjoyed their stay here. It’s a place people find themselves coming back to time and time again. Whilst it might be a bit more arduous to reach, the stunning landscapes, quiet valley and fantastic walks are well worth the extra effort. With beaches and rivers, mountains and valleys all beckoning, Dunnerdale should definitely be on your Lake District list.

Check out our Duddon Valley cottages to find your next stay.