A Hidden Gem
1st October 2025
Some of you will have heard of the Duddon Valley. Some of you will even be able to point to it on a map, but how many of you know how stunningly beautiful it is in autumn?
Of course the Duddon Valley is beautiful all year round with vivid spring colours, lush green landscapes in summer and sometimes pure white snow in winter.
However, in autumn, the Duddon Valley is one of the very best places to see the beautiful autumn colours and contrasts. The huge diversity of forests, coppice woods, open fells and riverside foliage provide an incredibly rich variety of trees and shrubs, all of which contribute to the stunning visual display of the autumn colours.
The source of the River Duddon is 1,289 feet above sea level, near the Three Shire Stone on the Wrynose Pass. The river then cascades through Wrynose Bottom, the valley that links Hardknott and Wrynose, two of England’s steepest and highest mountain road passes. Personally, I love driving over Hardknott and Wrynose but the challenge isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Just as the road from Wrynose turns 90 degrees left and heads south, the river Duddon picks up pace and also heads south too. Several other rivers and becks join the Duddon and the river starts to widen at the tiny hamlet of Seathwaite, home to the charming traditional Lakeland pub, the Newfield Inn.
The Duddon Valley is often referred to as the hidden gem of the Lake District. Cumbria’s famous guidebook author and illustrator, Alfred Wainwright proclaimed that the Duddon Valley was his favourite Lakeland valley, yet he wrote very little about it. Belief is that Wainwright wanted to keep the area a secret, probably so that he could enjoy the scenery, walks and river in perfect tranquillity.
I don’t think Wainwright would be disappointed to this very day, the Duddon Valley still enjoys plenty of peace and tranquillity as I witnessed myself when I took the photos in this article in the last week of September.
Our holiday cottages are located just a short drive from the Duddon Valley. From the south, the valley is best accessed by the lovely south Lakeland market town of Broughton-in-Furness, a great place to stop off and stock up for the day at the wonderful Broughton Bakery. The small town also boasts good cafes and pubs too but I tend to stop off at these on the way home.
From Broughton you have a choice of roads to head north to the Duddon Valley. I like to drive there via Broughton Mills (great pub – The Blacksmith’s Arms) and over the Dunnerdale Fells. This road affords you the wonderful view you can see in my photo here
The road joins up with the river Duddon in the bottom of the valley where the scenery is spectacular.
There’s many great walks in all directions along the road over the Dunnerdale Fells and of course, along the river too. This is one of my favourite Duddon Valley walks.
The river is incredibly beautiful in all weather and my dog and I love crossing over on the several sets of stepping stones. Please be careful though!
The Duddon Valley is home to a great diversity of wildlife, including red squirrels, red kites, red deer, otters, peregrine falcons and even marsh harriers.
For the journey home, I like to drive down the valley to the tiny village of Ulpha. From here the beautifully scenic road eventually joins the A595 at Duddon Bridge. Broughton-in-Furness is just 2 minutes drive from here.
Sawmill Cottage is only 17 minutes drive from Broughton.
Our Cartmel cottages are 35 minutes drive and give you the ideal excuse to stop off at my favourite chippy – Crakeside Fish & Chips. Please check opening times if you want to sample the wonderfully fresh and tasty fish. The chips, gravy and mushy peas are pretty good too. Please note that the chippy isn’t open all day and is closed on Sundays.
I hope you have a wonderful day or more in the hidden gem that is the Duddon Valley.
