Why the Duddon Valley is the Perfect Place for a Lake District Break
The Lake District is a brilliant location for a relaxing break. Whether you love a bit of adventure or like nothing more than a gentle stroll in the hills, there’s something for everyone in the region.
One of the most popular spots is the stunning Duddon Valley, located just west of Coniston Water and Broughton Mills. You can find a great range of Lake District Cottages in this area on our website here
While the Lake District can be a hive of activity during the summer with thousands of tourists visiting, the Duddon Valley is delightfully secluded and the perfect place for a relaxing hike. If you want to get away from it all, the valley is certainly well worth a visit.
The History and Landscape of Duddon Valley
There has been a settlement here since the Neolithic times and it’s easy to see that the valley hasn’t changed much since those times. Head to Swinside Farm and you’ll even see an ancient stone circle. Over the years, the valley has also been the site of burgeoning industries and here and there you’ll also see the signs of copper and slate mines.
This is largely farmland and there is plenty of sheep milling around, chewing the grass. Through the centre of the valley runs the River Duddon. At its head are some amazing highland passes and the rugged terrain of Grey Friar, Ulpha Fell and Harter Fell. At the other end, the valley slopes down to the coast and the Irish sea.
The location was a favourite with poet William Wordsworth who dedicated a couple of sonnets to it and painter J M W Turner also visited the nearby coast to paint the amazing landscape.
What to Do in the Duddon Valley
The reason most people come to the Duddon Valley is for the fantastic scenery and the wonderful hikes. You can spend a whole week exploring this area, including the peaks of Harter Fell and still not explore all that it has to offer. The great news is that there are some secluded and comfortable cottages to rent in the valley which means you have a great base to operate from.
For nature lovers, there are some brilliant woodland areas and for the more adventurous you can take part in scrambling activities and climbing. Nearby Broughton in Furness is a small market town where you can find local produce almost all through the week. Head to Seathwaite and you’ll soon discover the 16th Century Newfield Inn that serves up a wonderful Sunday roast and a hearty breakfast, perfect if you’ve been out for a hike.
If you love the sea, heading to the south gives you access to some craggy coastline and secluded beaches as well as quaint fishing villages such as Millom and Haverigg.
The Duddon Valley is perfect for nature lovers, those who like to mountain bike and is perfect for friends and family who want to visit the Lake District but don’t want the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas. It’s a great place to stay any time of year.
