One of England’s creeking gems is located in the northwest of the country, in the English Lake District. A small pocket of rugged hills up to a thousand meters in height provides enough relief for the whitewater enthusiast.

The Duddon Valley is relatively untouched by tourist traffic and still exists off a largely traditional hill farming economy. The valley has a slow and isolated feel, making it a place to get away from the crowded, modern world. Small single lane roads wind through the patchwork landscape to the headwaters of the Duddon River where this river journey begins.

Rainfall brings the river into flood, perfect for descent. The Duddon is generally in condition after rainfall for just 12 to 48 hours, making it difficult to catch. It provides a mixture of boulder-choked rapids interspersed with fast moving, class III boogie. From the outset, the action keeps coming and, with the correct water levels, provides a quality 17-kilometer run providing fun whitewater from class III to class V.

When at its best, the Duddon River is a sustained alpine creek. Its crystal clear water cuts through a slice of the past, nestled in the Lake District’s rugged geography.

IF YOU GO:

Steak pie, chips and a traditional ale at the Newfield Inn are hard to beat after a day on the river. The home-cooked food and accommodation will have you feeling right at home in the heart of the Duddon Valley. www.newfieldinn.co.uk

Steve Rogers is a British Columbia-based adventure photographer, writer and kayaker, originally from the north of England. www.steveophotos.com.

This article appeared in Rapid, Early Summer 2013. Download our free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read the rest here.