Newby Bridge
Newby Bridge sits on the banks of the River Leven which issues from the southern basin of lake Windermere and is overshadowed by the Finsthwaite Height. Leaving the A590 you cross a handsome, five arched, stone bridge spanning the Leven, and are immediately confronted with the Swan Hotel. Smartly refurbished, the Swan has a good bar and dining, with gardens and grounds running down to the river The village is very small, a few houses dotted along the lane leading toward Lakeside.
The Leven is for the most part private fishing, however there are reasonable areas, both from the Swan’s grounds and a little west of the bridge, where you can get down to the waters edge.
Walk around to the western shore and you have Fell Foot Park, a National Trust parkland, with lakes shores where you can swim, fish, hire boats and rent mooring.
The Leven is famed for salmon, and about a half a mile beyond the bridge, towards Backbarrow, it becomes fierce and turbulent, with impressive rapids and white waters. These rapids are a draw to canoeists, where throughout the year scores of these fragile little craft, all brightly coloured, can be seen struggling against the river’s might.
Along the river lane is the Newby Bridge Halt, one of the stops where you can take a short journey on the steam railway line. Volunteers keep the Halt in immaculate order, with flowers and shrubs and lickerty spit paint work, and when the train is standing at the platform huffing and puffing the picture is one of a more genteel age.
To take full advantage of Newby Bridge and the surrounding villages visitors should look to stay the week in one the area’s fine Lake District cottages and self catering holiday homes.