The Duddon Valley

The beauty of the Duddon Valley, close to Broughton-in-Furness, is a landscape celebrated by William Wordsworth in several of his sonnets and in the verse of local born poet, Norman Nicholson.

It's a tranquil remote wild region of the Lake District and Cumbria where walkers, climbers, cyclists and Nature lovers can roam and discover a sense of refreshment amid scenery which has changed little over the years. Through it flows the River Duddon which rises at the highest point of Wrynose Pass to begin a 15 mile journey to the Duddon Estuary and the sea.
Stretches of the clear waters are suitable for canoeing, salmon fishing, river bank picnics and even a “wild swim” on summer days.

The main village communities of Duddon Valley are Seathwaite (do not confuse with Seathwaite in the Borrowdale Valley near Keswick) and Ulpha.

Seathwaite has a traditional 16th C pub and the 16th C Holy Trinity Church whilst Ulpha has a well stocked combined village store and Post Office.
Cockley Beck, at the head of the valley, is where the challenging ascents and descents of the Hardknott and Wrynose Passes meet.

For truly dramatic views there are few better than those of Great Gable and Scafell on a road journey from Ulpha over Birker Fell into Eskdale.

Access to the woodlands, fells, streams and drystone walls of the Duddon Valley is along twisting minor roads barely 2 metres wide in places with limited passing places and none are suitable for caravans. Motorists and cyclists should be aware of sheep grazing on the roadsides.

All types of visitor accommodations are available in the valley providing an all year round welcome to one of the Lake District and Cumbria's picturesque settings.

Places of interest and local information

Ulpha Post Office and Village Store

Ideal for visitors and travellers. Open 6 days a week all year round selling tinned foods, fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, milk, cigarettes, tobacco, newspapers, postcards, souvenirs and is able to provide tourist information.
Open 9am till 1pm and 2pm until 5pm every day except Tuesdays.
Telephone 01229 716255.

Seathwaite Holy Trinity Church

A memorial plaque mounted on a stone at the entrance to the church is in memory of Robert Walker who was vicar for 66 years and known as “Wonderful Walker” because of his long ministry.

Fell Races

The Long Duddon is a fell race of 18 miles over a route at the head of the Duddon Valley with 6000 feet of ascents over Harter, Hardknott, Swirl how, Dow Crag, White Pike and Caw.
The Short Duddon is a 10 mile race with 3000 feet of climbs up Dow Crag and caw.
www.duddon.fellrace.org.uk

St John the Baptist Church, Ulpha

A small simple place of worship.
“The Kirk of Ulpha to the pilgrim's eye
  Is welcome as a star”.
From William Wordsworth's “Duddon Sonnet” XXX1.

Seathwaite Tarn

The third largest tarn in the Lake District and Cumbria.

Devoke Water

One of the highest tarns in the Lake District and Cumbria. It is stocked with Brown Trout and some Perch. Best reached from Birker Fell.

Fishing Permits

Check with The Newfield Inn, Seathwaite; Ulpha Post Office; Broughton-in-Furness Tourist Information Centre or Millom Angling Club. www.millomanglers.co.uk

Car parking

There are spaces next to Seathwaite Parish Room. A donation of just £2 is requested. Put the money through the slot in the entrance door to the building. Otherwise there are some opportunities for roadside parking along the valley, more so on the stretch between Duddon Bridge and Ulpha.

Walking

Popular hikes are to Coniston Old Man, Scafell, Dow Crag and Harter Fell together with the less challenging ones to Seathwaite Tarn and Devoke Water.

Stepping Stones and Memorial Bridge.
A narrow stile opposite Seathwaite Church leads to a riverside and woodland walk.

For 30 walks in this postcode area of LA20
www.go4awalk.com/walks/ukpostcodewalks.php?