Swallowdale is a valley towards the southern end of the Lake and on the fells on the western shore. The beck flows from Trout Tarn, down one waterfall into Swallowdale, down another waterfall and eventually through steep woodland down to the lake at Horseshoe Cove, near Swainson's Farm. On one side of the valley, hidden somewhat by heather and bracken, is Peter Duck's Cave. As a boy, Captain Flint had called it Ben Gunn's Cave (one of two occasions in Swallowdale where we learn something of Captain Flint's boyhood).
An original Swallowdale?
Location-hunters have identified several possible Swallowdales. One is in the area of Beacon Tarn (the likely model for Trout Tarn) near Coniston. Another suggestion is the upper of end of Tilberthwaite Gill (an area close to that also considered to be the model for High Topps).