Swindale Beck

The beck tumbles through Swindale in a series of small cascades that catch the light rather beautifully on a clear day. It's the sort of stream you'd stumble across by accident while rambling through the Eden Valley, though plenty of locals make the pilgrimage deliberately. The walk down to the water is straightforward enough - maybe twenty minutes from the nearest lane - and the rocks alongside make decent spots for a sit-down if you fancy a break from exploring Kirkby Stephen.

This appeals most to walkers who like their water features modest and unspoilt. You won't find cafés or visitor infrastructure, which is either the whole point or a drawback depending on your outlook. With kids, it's fine for an hour of poking about in the shallows, though there's not much to occupy them beyond that. The beck works best as part of a longer circular walk rather than a destination in itself.

It costs nothing and you can turn up whenever you like. Spring brings more water flowing down, which sharpens the drama. Summer's gentler but warmer for wading about. If you're staying at Gillcumber Glamping Pods, it's an easy drive plus a short walk to reach the beck - a good half-day activity to mix with your wider explorations of the Pennines. Proper fell country, that part of Cumbria.