High Dam Walk and History, Finsthwaite
Did you know a small tarn above Finsthwaite once helped power an industry that made a million wooden bobbins a week?
If you’re staying with us at Kents Bank Holiday Cottage and looking for a lovely short walk nearby, High Dam is one of our favourite recommendations.
It’s a picturesque tarn located above Finsthwaite, at the southern end of Windermere, surrounded by peaceful mixed woodland and steeped in industrial history — a great way to spend a morning or a quiet evening while you’re in the area.
At a Glance – High Dam
Location: Above Finsthwaite village, southern Windermere, Lake District
Walk distance: Approx. 3.5km (or just over 2 miles) circular route
Difficulty: Easy–moderate, family-friendly (not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters)
Parking: Bell Intake car park, Finsthwaite (28 spaces, 9am–6pm, pay & display)
Scenery: Oak, birch, larch and Scots pine woodland, with bilberry, bracken and heather underfoot
Wildlife: Red squirrels and deer sometimes spotted
Nearby attraction: Stott Park Bobbin Mill (English Heritage)
Stay nearby: Kents Bank Holiday Cottage, Grange-over-Sands — call 07785944194
What Is High Dam?
High Dam is an artificial tarn tucked into the woodland above Finsthwaite, a quiet village near the southern tip of Windermere.
Built in the early 1800s, the dam was originally constructed to supply water power to the local mill industry — a role it played for well over a century.
Today, it’s a haven for walkers rather than industry.
The tarn is ringed by mixed woodland of oak, birch, larch and Scots pine, with the woodland floor scattered with bilberry, bracken and heather.
It’s a genuinely peaceful spot, especially outside peak summer weekends, and makes for one of the most rewarding short walks in this part of the Lake District.
The History: Bobbins, Mills & the Textile Trade
High Dam‘s story is tied closely to the textile revolution of the late 18th century, which created huge demand for wooden bobbins and shuttles used in spinning and weaving.
Across the South Lakes, small mills sprang up wherever there was a reliable local supply of wood and a suitable source of water power — and High Dam was exactly that.
Nearby Stott Park Bobbin Mill supplied wooden bobbins to the weaving and spinning industry throughout its working life.
At its peak, the mill produced up to a million bobbins a week, right up until it closed as a commercial operation in 1971.
Stott Park Bobbin Mill
A short distance from High Dam, near Newby Bridge, Stott Park Bobbin Mill is the last surviving working bobbin mill in the Lake District.
Restored and managed by English Heritage, it’s now an award-winning visitor attraction where you can watch the entire bobbin-making process brought back to life on the original lathes and saws, powered by a steam engine installed around 1880.
The mill regularly runs its steam boiler for special open days, letting visitors see the machinery working exactly as it would have during the site’s industrial heyday.
It’s a fascinating, hands-on contrast to the quiet natural beauty of High Dam itself — and well worth combining into the same day out.
The Walk: Route & Difficulty
The walk from Finsthwaite to High Dam is widely regarded as one of the best short strolls in the Lake District, and it’s easy to see why.
The circular route covers around 3.5km of moderate terrain through woodland, making it ideal for families, casual walkers, and dog owners looking for a few hours outdoors without a serious climb.
Getting there: Start from Finsthwaite village or the Lake District National Park Authority pay-and-display car park at Bell Intake, Finsthwaite. (Postcode: LA12 8BL, Grid Reference: SD368882).
The car park has 28 spaces and is open daily from 9am to 6pm — it’s the best base for this walk and others nearby.
A note on accessibility: while the route is manageable for most walkers, including children, the path can be steep and uneven in places, so it isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
What to Do at High Dam
Beyond the walk itself, High Dam is a lovely spot to slow down for a while. Popular things to do include:
- Walking and picnicking by the water’s edge
- Nature and bird watching in the surrounding woodland
- Wild swimming, for those who fancy a dip
- Wildlife spotting — red squirrels and deer are sometimes seen in the area
- Extending your walk to take in nearby Low Dam or further into the woods
Many regular visitors recommend coming in the evening, when the tarn is at its most tranquil and the light through the trees is particularly beautiful.
Facilities & Nearby Attractions
High Dam itself is undeveloped — there are no cafes or toilets on site, so it’s worth planning ahead. However, you’re never far from more facilities:
- Stott Park Bobbin Mill — English Heritage attraction with tours and steam demonstrations
- Lakeside — home to the Lakes Aquarium, the Lakeside & Haverthwaite steam railway, and a handful of food outlets close to the lakeshore
Combining High Dam with one or two of these makes for an easy, varied day out that suits both walkers and non-walkers in the same group.
If you are looking for a holiday cottage close to High Dam and Finsthwaite, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is High Dam, Finsthwaite?
High Dam is an artificial tarn (small lake) near the village of Finsthwaite in the Lake District. It was built in the 1800s to supply water for Stott Park Bobbin Mill and is now a popular and peaceful walking destination surrounded by oak, birch, larch, and pine woodland.
2. How do I get to High Dam?
You can start your walk to High Dam from Finsthwaite village or from the Lake District National Park Authority pay-and-display car park at Bell Intake, Finsthwaite. The car park has 28 spaces, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and is the best base for exploring nearby walks.
3. Is the High Dam walk suitable for families and beginners?
Yes, the walk from Finsthwaite to High Dam is considered one of the best short strolls in the Lake District and is suitable for most families thanks to its moderate terrain and stunning scenery. The circular walk is about 3.5km, making it ideal for a few hours out with children or dogs. However, the path may be too steep and uneven for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
4. What activities can I enjoy at High Dam?
Visitors enjoy walking, picnicking, nature watching, bird spotting, and even wild swimming. Many locals recommend an evening visit for tranquillity, and you can extend your walk to explore the nearby Low Dam or the woodlands. Red squirrels and deer are sometimes seen in the area.
5. Are there facilities or attractions nearby?
While there are limited facilities at High Dam itself (such as no cafes or toilets), the nearby Stott Park Bobbin Mill is an award-winning visitor attraction. You’ll also find other amenities at Lakeside, such as the Lakes Aquarium, steam railway, and food outlets close to the lakeshore.
If you are looking for a holiday cottage close to High Dam and Finsthwaite, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call on 07785944194.
We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay.
Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on looking forward to your relaxing holiday in the Lake District.