17 June 2025 Local area
The Lake District's best kept secrets
Venture off the beaten track during your next holiday to Cumbria and discover some of the Lake District’s hidden gems. There are so many natural beauty spots to uncover. If you’re lucky, you’ll escape the crowds and have them all to yourself!
Here are some of some of the Lake District’s best kept secrets, all within easy reach of Park Cliffe Caravan Park.
Distance from Park Cliffe: 37 miles, 1hr 20 mins drive
If you’re into wild swimming a trip to the Buttermere Infinity Pool is an absolute must! This idyllic natural pool is filled with crystal clear, albeit incredibly chill water and boasts far reaching views over the surrounding fells towards Buttermere.
Parking: Gatesgarth Farm, GA13 9XA
Getting there: From the car park head along the main road and take the signpost towards Honister House. Follow the mostly flat gravel path until you reach the waterfall, where you’ll need to take the grass track on your right hand side. Continue until you cross a bridge and a small stream. The turn for the pools is another 100m along the track.
The route is a 2.5-mile round trip.
Distance from Park Cliffe: 40 miles, 1 hour 30 mins drive
Ritson’s Force is a series of picturesque waterfalls pools situated in the Mosedale Valley. These lesser-known waterfalls offer a quiet escape away from the hustle and bustle of more popular destinations throughout The Lakes.
There are a series of natural pools, perfect for a paddle. They are a stunning turquoise colour, which looks fantastic on a bright summer’s day.
Parking: Free car park, CA20 1EX
Getting there: Start your walk at the Wasdale Head Inn. Follow the gravel path through the gate and across the bridge, before veering to the right. Continue through the two gates until you reach the sign for Ritson’s Force.
Distance from Park Cliffe: 17 miles, 45 mins drive
We highly recommend a visit to Hodge Close Quarry if you’re looking for dramatic scenery during your trip to the Lake District. The unique landscape features a labyrinth of steep slate cliffs and deep water-filled pits, which are man-made scars from its mining past. The area is popular with experienced climbers and divers looking for adventure.
The standout attraction is Cathedral Cave which has a distinct architectural feel. The main chamber has a 40ft high vaulted ceiling and is linked to a series of smaller caves by a network of tunnels.
Caution is advised when exploring the quarry, especially if visiting with children. Pay careful attention to signage at all times.
Parking: Free car park, LA21 8DJ (limited spaces)
Getting there: From the carpark continue straight until you reach the cottages, then take the trail on your right. At the outhouse turn left and follow the uneven slate path to the bottom
If you don’t fancy walking there are a couple of viewpoints offering a glance of the quarry from above. These are to the right of the carpark.
Image Credit: Charlie Wearden, Cumbria Tourism
Distance from Park Cliffe: 32 miles, 1 hour 10 mins drive
Lake District view don’t get better than the vistas at Warnscale Bothy – a historic Lakeland hut sitting on the edge of a cliff at the bottom of a pile of slate. The Bothy is well hidden, but we think that only adds to its charm!
Parking: National Trust Car Park, CA12 5XN (free for members)
Getting there: Locate the signpost for Great Gable and Haystacks and then walk uphill via a series of uneven cobbled steps. Continue along the stoney track until you reach a narrow section, home to Dubs Hut. Follow the trail downhill to the river and cross to the other side. Take the grassy path, keeping the river on your right until you see the very well camouflaged bothy in front.
3 mile round trip – we strongly advise using a GPS to make sure you’re going the right way – it’s easy to lose the path on this route. The walk to Warnscale Bothy is challenging and steep in places, so best suited for experienced hikers with the proper gear. This walk is best avoided after heavy rainfall.
Distance from Park Cliffe: within walking distance of the park
Gummers How offers unrivalled views of Windermere. From its elevated position you can see for miles in each direction, perfect for soaking up the scenery of the South Lakeland Fells. On a clear day you can see Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire!
Parking: There’s no need to try if you’re staying at Park Cliffe. Leave your car at the accommodation and explore on foot from the park!
Getting there: Join the footpath from behind the children’s play area and follow the waymarked trail for the entirety of the route. There and back should take around 90 minutes, depending on how many times you stop to take photos!
View the route guide here: Park Cliffe to Gummers How walk
Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate is ideally positioned for exploring hidden gems across the Lake District. Stay in one of our glamping options or pitch up on one of our scenic touring and camping pitches with views over Windermere.
After a long day exploring some of The Lakes best kept secrets, you can make use of our excellent shower facilities and enjoy tasty food courtesy of the River Box kitchen. Park Cliffe has everything you need for a family or couples break in The Lake District.
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