Secret Peak District waterfall an hour from Nottingham that thousands drive past without realising

The Peak District, one of the UK's most popular tourist destinations, attracts millions of visitors each year with its stunning landscapes, intriguing history and charming villages. However, the surge in popularity can make finding a quiet spot for a weekend walk challenging.

Yet, if you know where to look, the Peaks are full of hidden gems. One such gem is Waterfall Swallet, a beautiful water feature nestled in a wooded gorge and one of the Peak District's best-kept secrets. This beauty spot is just 100 metres from Foolow Road, a main route connecting the villages of Eyam and Foolow.

Once at the waterfall, the sound of crashing water drowns out any noise from nearby traffic, making it feel like you're far from civilisation. There are several stones and logs perfect for sitting and enjoying a picnic, making it an ideal stop on a longer walk.

It's worth noting that the waterfall appears more impressive after substantial rainfall. While this shouldn't be an issue given the typical British weather, it might be best to avoid this spot during a heatwave, reports Derbyshire Live.

To reach this location, there's a nearby layby where you can park and walk for about five minutes. However, when we visited the waterfall, we parked at Eyam on Hawkhill Road - postcode S32 5AD.

It's important to note that whenever you plan a hike in the Peak District, ensure you're familiar with the route, have packed the right equipment and clothing, and know who to contact in case of emergencies. For tips on preparing for a safe hike in the Peak District, visit the Edale Mountain Rescue Team website.

From the car park, one option is to walk along Main Road and onto Foolow Road for approximately one mile until you reach a turn-off for Shepherds Flat Farm. Just past this turn-off, where the pavement ends, there's a dirt track.

Follow this track and you should see a footpath veering down into a gorge. You'll know you've reached the right spot when you hear the thunderous sounds of the waterfall. Getting into the gorge involves less walking and more scrambling down a muddy bank, so proceed with caution.

Alternatively, you could take a stroll along Main Road onto Tideswell Lane. Near the top of Tideswell Lane, there's a public footpath leading towards Foolow.

This path, which is approximately two miles long, takes you all the way to Foolow. From there, you can walk along Foolow Road towards Eyam, passing Waterfall Swallet on your journey.

There are ample opportunities for photography and tranquil spots to sit back and enjoy a sandwich. After taking in the beauty of the waterfall, you can either retrace your steps or plan a different route to explore more of the Peak District.