Duddon Valley

Perhaps one of the most beautifully isolated spots in the Lake District is the stunning Duddon Valley, where there is unrivalled walking on the fells, through thickets of forest and along the riverbanks. Park up and take to the multiple footpaths – stunning views are almost always guaranteed – or take to the river in a canoe. If you want, you can do some climbing or try your hand at scrambling.
 
The valley is sheep territory: successive generations of farmers have reared hardy Herdwicks that you can spot grazing on the fells. Keep an eye out for a soaring buzzard, or an endangered red squirrel – you might even catch a glimpse of a peregrine falcon. In the meadows, look out for orchids.
 
Most human existence takes place in the historic market town of Broughton-on-Furness, a few miles away. Here you’ll find a terrific butchers-cum-grocery, a family-run bakery/tearoom, a post office, a restaurant and a selection of pubs. In the valley proper, tiny Ulpha has a post office/village shop, while Seathwaite, near the end of the ancient Walna Scar road, has the wonderful 16th-century Newfield Inn, where a welcome as warm as the roaring fire awaits (along with some very tasty local dishes).

Surrounding Area

Broughton-in-Furness
Dating back to the 11th century, Broughton-in-Furness is mostly Georgian in appearance but no less pleasant for it. It’s designed around a pretty cobbled square dominated by a spending horse chestnut tree, around which are gathered the town’s shops, pubs and houses. It’s the ideal spot to base yourself if you’re on a climbing or walking holiday in the western Lake District, especially if you plan on exploring the Duddon Valley and the quieter Lake District fells. Branwell Bronte, brother of Emily and Charlotte, lived here for a time; and the town has been praised in verse by William Wordsworth and Norman Nicholson, one of Britain’s finest 20th-century poets.
 
Millom
Sitting by the Duddon River Estuary with Black Combe Fell on its doorstep, the former fishing village of Millom has a varied history with a rich industrial heritage, founded on iron-ore mining and steel making in the 19th century. It was amongst the largest industrial sites of its type in the world. With the mining boom the market square was transformed into a showplace for Victorian architecture. The town hall, and other buildings still serve residents. There is also an inn dating from 1745. At the Tourist Information Centre is the Folk Museum, with displays on 20th century Millom poet and resident, Norman Nicholson, who spent his life in the town. Next to the church are the ruins of the 14th century moated, Millom Castle.