This is one of the Lake District’s popular walks. It takes you through glorious woodland towards Finsthwaite on a narrow path that climbs to the grassy pastures above. It continues up again to walk around High Dam. After a short descent it leads you across meadows to the outskirts of Finsthwaite and on along the lane beyond to take a delightful easy bridleway all the way back to the start.

Park on the side of the road, grid reference 379864, that turns left away from the west side of the Swan Hotel.

Information:

Distance: 6 miles

Time: 3-4 hours

Terrain: Good paths and tracks - some of which can be muddy if the rainy weather continues

Map: OS Explorer OL 7

1 Return to the side of the hotel, turn left and cross the bridge over the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway. Immediately beyond, turn left again along a track that keeps parallel with the railway line. Follow the track as it winds right towards a dwelling and take the narrow hedged footpath directly ahead. This is a lovely path and climbs steadily through the pleasing woodland. It is well signposted and brings you up to a short steep part. Beyond, it goes on steadily once more. As you near the top of the forest, the path winds left, crosses a wettish area and continues for a few steps to a wooden ladderstile over the wall into an extensive meadow.

2 Walk ahead and soon you can spot the two large slate slabs through which the path passes (or the gate in the top right corner might be unlocked). Beyond the slab stile, turn right and then left before a gate marked private, keeping the forest to your right and going on to pass through a fine gateway. From here you can soon spot Finsthwaite Church towards which you head. Take the gate in the far wall to turn left onto the road away from the church. Where it soon forks stroll right and then right again through the last few houses of Finsthwaite to take the wide track up to the signposted car park on the left.

3 Climb steadily and if you take the path beside the beck - which is a bit rough - you have a fine view of the many small waterfalls. Go on up, crossing several wooden bridges to pass first the lower dam and then High Dam. Follow the reinforced way that crosses left at the head of this glorious sheet of water. Continue on the path as it traverses the opposite side to come to a seat where you might wish to pause. Then carry on to cross a footbridge and then the long walled dam that holds back the water of the highest pool.

4 Turn right and descend your earlier path and go down the rough footpath taken earlier and cross the beck on a fine footbridge. Follow the tiny stretch of reinforced path and then descend the grassy slope keeping on the same diagonal to join a wide track. Cross this and take the gate opposite. Beyond, walk right along the wall to where it turns away and then descend the grassy slope slightly left to pass through a stile onto a ginnel between houses. At the end, walk right. Continue on the climbing lane, to pass several houses and where it moves out into the quiet countryside. Walk on to take a signposted bridleway, which leaves left just before walled Finsthwaite house. Follow this good way as it winds right and climbs gently. Keep on the track as it bears left into the forest and then bends right. Ignore a right turn and carry on the gently descending way to reach the narrow road. Turn left, go over another railway bridge and walk on left to regain your vehicle.

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.