Finsthwaite_article

Finsthwaite article
Geoff Whittaker

Finsthwaite and High Dam
Walk to a glorious beauty spot and a historic mill
Wods and pictures Geoff. Whittaker
Finsthwaite is an attractive village located in the South of the
Lake District. It is a short walk from Lakeside, on the shores of
lake Windermere. Here the Lakeland steamer calls on it’s voyage
around the lake. St Peters Church has an unusual squat spire that
gives it a otherworldly look. The Church was built in 1873 on the
site of an earlier Church.
Close by is High Dam tarn, this is not actually a natural feature
but was built to provide water to Stott Park bobbin mill. The
mill now operated by English Heritage features the original belt
driven machinery. Originally the water supply from a pond
behind the mill drove a 24 foot water wheel. later when High
Dam was built there was sufficient pressure to drive a turbine.
A small steam engine was installed in the 1880’s for use during
the Summer ,when water levels were low. This can be seen in
operation on certain days.
1/ The walk starts from Lakeside car park or Stott Park bobbin
mill. You can get the steamer from Ambleside or Bowness to
Lakeside or a vintage steam train from Haverthwaite. Leave
Lakeside along the road North, being careful of traffic until
a path going left is reached. Head along the path through the
woods until a style is seen.
2/The view now opens out with Finsthwaite visible in the
distance. Cross the field and onto the road that passes the village
Hall. The entrance to the church yard is on the right at a fork in
the road.
3/ Follow the road left at St Peters church until you reach the

Mapping by OpenStreetMap

oad through the village. Turn right and
then left at the sign for High Dam.. This
route passes between houses and crosses a
wall.
Head North up a rise past some caravans.
Go through a wall corner style and
eventually you will reach a footbridge over
Finsthwaite beck.
4/ Shortly after turn left and head up the
hill towards Low Dam. This was the first
reservoir to be built, not to be confused
with High Dam. Continue on up the
path until you reach the main body of
water. Head along the top of the dam to
the left and around to the right. Mid way
along the path at the far side of the tarn
is a seat. Rest awhile and appreciate the
view. Carry on around the water and head
back through the woods until you reach
another stream. Follow the stream down
to the road, past the car park.

6/ Head across the road and down the lane towards
Stott Park bobbin mill. The mill was used to make
bobbins for the Lancashire cotton industry. Built in
the 19th century it employed 250 men and boys. It is
the only working bobbin mill in the country.
There were once over sixty such structures in the
Lake District.
The area was ideal for bobbin production due to
the steep sided valleys, abundant water power and
copiced woodlands.
The museum features guided tours every 60 minutes
and steam weekends throughout the Summer.
7/ there are two options for the return, the safest
is to return to the road through Finsthwaite and
retrace your outbound steps. The shorter route
follows the main road back to Lakeside.
Lakeside itself is the terminus for the Lakeside and
Haverthwaite heritage railway. There is also the
aquarium of the lakes. The aquarium is open all year
round and is split into areas each featuring the water
creatures of a specific continent.Otters can be seen
and there is an underwater walk.
Visit the shop and cafe named the 1872, where you
can watch the steamers come and go in the Summer
months.
The Fell Foot ferry operates from March to
September and carries you to Fell Foot park on the
opposite side of Lake Windermere.
For ease of access and interest this walk cannot be
beaten.