Newby Bridge, High Dam and Lakeside

Jim Grindle

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This walk goes through some lovely countryside just within the boundary of the Lake District National Park. Its one steep section is short and soon over, giving enough elevation to let you appreciate the views. The delightful hamlet of Finsthwaite is on the route and the church here is worth looking into. It has the added interest of a connection with Bonnie Prince Charlie. At its highest point, around High Dam, the walk will attract visitors from the car park at the restored bobbin mill, but elsewhere it is quiet.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South East

Features

Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Good for Kids, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Museum, Pub, Public Transport, River, Toilets, Waterfall, Woodland

1/12/2024 - Adrian Proctor

Did this walk 12 Jan 2024. There is a recent concessionary path at point 16 so you avoid the road up to Lakeside and then there is a new path starting at road side of the railway station taking you all the way to Newby Bridge. So no road walking at all now. Good walk, thanks Jim.

7/12/2020 - Brian Ritson

Terrific walk, apart from the last half mile along the busy Newby Bridge - Hawkshead road. I would agree with the suggestion of taking the parallel concessionary path to minimise time spent on the road. I'm happy to report an update on A. McNevin's advice for the correct route past the caravans. On the day we did this walk we passed a lady who was carrying a brush and a pot of white paint. A few yards further on we saw her handiwork painted on a large rock adjacent to the caravans, which reads 'High Dam' with a large arrow. You can't miss it! Finally, I agree that this walk should probably be categorised as moderate rather than easy.

8/25/2014 - A McNevin

This is a great walk through some great countryside. On waypoint 6, when heading between the two caravans, be careful not to stray along what appears to be a path heading off to the right. The correct path starts off pretty parallel to the main path and on up the hill. Finally, this walk is classified as 'Easy'. Maybe for some :-) A word to the wise, the climbs at waypoint 2 and waypoint 7 are more moderate I would say, definitely not easy.

5/20/2014 - Robert Hughes

A most pleasant walk that was easy to follow. After WM3 the second stile is now a kissing gate rather than a ladder stile. The section between WM16 and WM17 is a little disappointing as it is along quite a busy road. It is therefore worth breaking it up by going down to the Lakeside at the brown sign.

8/25/2013 - paul smith

This is a great walk with a bit of everything. Well worth a visit.