Top Things to do in Duddon Valley
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What to do and see in Duddon Valley, England: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Duddon Valley, United Kingdom including Swinside Stone Circle, Hard Knott Pass, Scafell Pike Mountain, The Manor Arms, Hardknott Pass, Melville Tyson.
1. Swinside Stone Circle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By 128MaggieL - Callao, United States
This marvelous neolithic stone circle lies in a field on moorland near the Duddon Valley To reach it you take a minor road off the A595, signed Broadgate, about 2 miles from the Duddon Bridge. The track to Swinside is private, so you have to walk. You can park at Crag Hall in the farm's courtyard. The parking space is limited, but fortunately, there were no other visiting cars on the day my fiance and I explored the circle. We then walked about 2 miles to the circle. Our walk included crossing a stream. There are rough "stepping stones," but they're round on top and presented me with a bit of a challenge. (On the way back, I simply waded across because I was afraid of slipping off the stones. I decided that getting wet was better than getting a broken ankle.) We then crossed a couple of fields, squeezed through a narrow stone stile, and turned right onto a road that leads to a rough stony track. The track eventually led us to the circle on top of the fell moorland, immediately below Swinside Farm.The circle lies in a cow field. You can see it easily from the track, but public access is to the field easy and the field's gate is not locked. There's a superb view of the entire circle from Raven Crag, which overlooks it..We were thrilled discover this little-visited neolithic gem. On the way down, you get a great view of the Duddon estuary near Millom.
2. Hard Knott Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By LindaJ357 - Pilling, United Kingdom
the scenery is absolutely stunning with views up and down the valley that are spectacular. we parked in a small layby and climbed up the hillside to the fort. it was quite a steep climb and very wet underfoot but so worth it. there are boards all around telling you what you are looking at and the main board gives you an idea of the history. imagine living all the way up there!! being the Romans of course they had baths.
3. Scafell Pike Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 532 reviews
Reviewed By TheWakeyHarveys - Leeds, United Kingdom
This review is for the Corridor Route from Seathwaite and back via Broad Craig My wife and I climbed Scafell Pike today. We did it from Seathwaite, parked in the lay by and followed the Corridor Route to the summit. Coming back we came via Broad Craig, Great End and Sprinkling Crags back to Seathwaite. We loved this climb, it was a fantastic route but do not underestimate this route. We took it nice and steady and had stops for refreshments and lunch etc, but we left Seathwaite at 7:00am (it was so lovely and quiet then) and it took us eight hours to do 8.5 miles. You need to be fit and agile to do this route. The scenery was absolutely stunning. Some points to consider: 1) ensure your boots are waterproof as there is loads of water to cross and in places the path was a stream 2) prepare and carry the right equipment. Ensure you have the correct navigation- gps, maps and compass and know how to use them. At the summit today the cloud was in for long periods so visibility was almost no existent. The paths generally are pretty good and easy to follow ( there are quite a few helpful stone cairns showing you the way) but have a back up plan in case 3) it was very windy and cold at the summit so be prepared to add layers to keep warm 4) on the Corridor Route near Round How is a large bedrock step, perhaps fifteen to twenty feet high (it’s not sheer but it is very steep) that you have to scramble / climb down (not walk or step down) there are plenty of places to put hands and feet. If you take it steady you will be fine but it is a significant challenge particularly if wet. You cannot get around it, if you try to pass it you will put yourself in a very serious danger. It would be easier to climb then descend. If you are in doubt about this route Google it before trying 5) the summit is very stony so walking is tricky 6) leaving the summit heading for Broad Crag is a steep scramble 7) around Broad Cragg and Great End there is a significant boulder field to cross which is hard work. The boulders can be stepped across and they vary in size from small to small car size. This again is a challenge 8) on the corridor route there is a section called Piers Gill, which isn’t too far from the summit. Be careful around here as it’s an accident blackspot when descending the corridor route in bad weather. Again Google this before attempting so you are prepared Overall a brilliant day with some world beating scenery and one that we would highly recommend with the above caveats
4. The Manor Arms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By jcmihanovich - Rio Cuarto, Argentina
I stayed there for one night. People at the place are very kind. The room was confortable and clean. Also the pub downstairs is really good. I recomend to stay at this place.
5. Hardknott Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Hardknott Pass carries the minor motor road between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley, and is situated between the hamlets of Boot and Cockley Beck. It goes through some very rugged and attractive countryside and is a twisting single track road with passing places - and lots of very steep parts! As someone who doesn’t like the over-commercialised parts of the Lake District, this area is so refreshing, and because the road is considered a “challenging” drive, it doesn’t get too busy. And is it a difficult drive? Well, I suppose it depends entirely on your personal preferences and experience. I love driving mountain passes and have done so all over Europe, and would rate this one as moderate. As long as you use the passing places properly you’ll be fine. My current car is a largish Land Rover Discovery, and as far as I’m concerned, the road is perfectly wide enough. So unless you have a very wide car, or are a very nervous driver - give it a go. It’s a great drive, and connects with Wrynose Pass which is just as good.
6. Melville Tyson
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By H4835JCpetern
This is a traditional Butchers with quality products you won't be disappointed. The home made Black pudding so good it's worth the effort to drive to Try the cracking!!.
