The Swindale Valley is one of a few, very quiet, valleys which lead into the eastern fringes of the Lake District. The northern ridge of Swindale has some lovely walking and views across Haweswater and the Ullswater fells.
Like thousands of others who head for the higher fells of the Lake District I had never completed a walk in the little known Swindale valley. In fact I never knew it existed. It is not just Swindale, much of theses eastern areas of the Lake District are never walked or explored. Viewing the area from the M6 is not particularly inspiring. However a more detailed exploration showed how wrong I was.
I headed on to the wide ridge which runs between Swindale Common and the Old Corpses Road (there does seem a number of Corpse roads in the Lakes!) under Sallows. The ridge combines typical Pennine moorland with equally typical Lakeland outcrops of volcanic rock. Although Haweswater never quite comes in to view there are some good views from Kidsty Pike and round the head of Mardale. The head of Swindale valley is also a pleasant and unspoilt place to be. This is a result of the steep waterfalls (including Hobgrumble Gill, a great name) descending both sides of the valley with Swindale Beck meandering though the green fields at their foot.
It is easy to extend the walk from the Swindale valley by continuing over Selside and even Branstree and return higher up the Swindale valley. Normally these two Wainwrights are approached from the Haweswater side. This offers an alternative without the steep descents in to Haweswater.
Whilst walking along the ridge stick to the northern edge of the wall till the path becomes a farm track. At a small stream leave the track and wall and head north to the high point of Hare Shaw.
I often find my way to Swindale. Great area to explore. Re-wilding is ongoing. The ‘concrete’ road provides a wet weather walk. I’ve done the Old Corpse Road from Haweswater to Swindale, a few years ago now. Ssh… Don’t tell everyone!
I live not too far from Swindale and it’s a favourite place to walk to avoid the crowds especially in summer. The waterfalls (Forces Falls) is worth a detour half way through this walk. Venturing further out onto Nabs Moor is also recommended because there are herds of red deer roaming around.
Might try this tomorrow… the views of this valley from the M6 definitely is not not interesting
My maiden name was Swindale, and our family originally came from the village of Swindale. My brother John Swindale visited the village many years ago and was delighted to make the connection. We live in Junee in NSW Australia, and visited Keswick in the lakes district in 2015.
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