2 days ago
UK village with just 150 residents is a hidden gem with its own waterfall
The Lake District National Park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and charming villages, drawing visitors from across the globe — but this spot is a hidden gem
Renowned globally for its awe-inspiring landscapes and quaint hamlets, the Lake District National Park lures international visitors aplenty. Though hotspots like Ambleside and Windermere typically steal the limelight, contemporary trends have wanderers hunting down more isolated retreats.
Scour through social media and you'll find a plethora of posts praising 'hidden gems', as the thrill of unearthing an unsullied sanctuary is undeniably alluring.
A savvy travel expert has decided to throw the spotlight on a real hidden treasure that lies tucked away amidst frequented spots yet provides a hushed, more genuine slice of this iconic British vista.
It serves as a serene haven for explorers, situated just slightly apart from the worn pathways, offering a delightful 'tranquil' getaway.
Merely a stone's throw at seven minutes by car from bustling Ambleside and a brief seventeen minutes from Grasmere stands this humble paradise.
This low-key gem, Skelwith Bridge, has generated buzz on TikTok for its "stunning views", with even images and footage online underscoring its charm, reports the Express.
Local sage Jerry Rebbeck from Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages offered insights: "The village of Skelwith Bridge is smaller and quieter than neighbouring villages, home to only 150 people."
This little enclave offers an idyllic spot "a tranquil place to stay as a base for exploring the national park; with access to the fells, river walks and lakes beyond, or great to visit when staying elsewhere."
The village's allure is not limited to its quaint architecture but also encompasses the picturesque environment.
The travel expert revealed, "it gets its name — unsurprisingly — from a stone bridge which makes its way across the River Brathway, which is lovely for walks of all kinds, filled with the best of British wildlife such as otters, kingfishers, grey herons and various species of fish."
Just a four-minute stroll along the riverbanks takes you to Skelwith Force, a charming sixteen-foot waterfall. Jerry points out that while it's "lesser known than the other more dramatic waterfalls in the area... it's a small but charming natural beauty, and adds to Skelwith Bridge's status as a UK hidden gem."
Venture further upstream and you'll find Elter Water Lake, boasting an "easy, scenic walk with well-maintained paths" around its tranquil shores.
For those with a passion for history, Cathedral Cave offers a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage. This complex of interlinked caverns forms part of a hikeable 4.7 km loop close to Coniston, Cumbria.
Jerry summed up: "It's off the beaten track and yet close to an abundance of landmarks and beautiful scenery, giving you the best of both worlds for resting and exploring the Lakes."
