Posted by Robert Dilley on May 25, 1998 at 15:37:44:
In Reply to: Swallowdale posted by Hugh on May 24, 1998 at 17:45:39:
I suspect that the location of Swallowdale is one of those issues that will never be solved to everyone's satisfaction. It has been discussed at length on Tarboard in the past. Roger Wardale is quite convinced that he has located Swallowdale, up a small beck flowing into the lower western end of Coniston Water. I followed his directions and agree that the approach (less the bridge) is very convincing. However, the valley itself is nothing like the landscape described in the book. My two older daughters and I combed the hillsides all around that area without finding anything plausible.
Following a suggestion from Christina Hardyment, we investigated Miterdale Head (GR 317503) which is easily reached from the Boot/Wasdale Head path, a little south of west from Burnmoor Tarn. There is no question in any of our minds that Miterdale Head matches Swallowdale. It is almost invisible until you are on top of it. It has sttep sides with a waterfall pouring into it and a beck running down through a flat grassy area ideal for camping. There is a tarn close by beyond the head of the valley. Only the approach is wrong, lacking the steep slope and the fall.
I do not know if anyone has positively located AR at Miterdale any time, but there is no reason to suppose that in his wanderings he did not at least once visit there.
My family's conclusion is that (as elsewhere) AR combined useful landscape features. The approach to Swallowdale from the beck running into Coniston, the valley itself from Miterdale Head. I would be interested to hear your opinion after viewing the place.