The High Dam walk is one we visit at least monthly and if we ever have visitors, know this will be on the to-do list. It’s not far from The Pheasant Lodge, doesn’t need a whole day, and takes you through lovely woodland to a tarn where you can walk, picnic or simply sit beside the water.
You’ll find High Dam above Finsthwaite, near the southern end of Windermere. Although there’s an uphill stretch to get there, it’s a manageable family outing, with plenty to keep children interested along the way.
We recently went on a grey, cloudy day when the rain we’d been expecting never arrived. We decided to head out, and were so glad we did. It’s one of those places that feels lovely whatever the day, whether the sun is coming through the trees or everything is a little damp and misty.
High Dam walk at a glance
- Location: Near Finsthwaite, on the western side of southern Windermere.
- Distance: Approximately 3km (1.8 miles), including the walk up, a circuit of High Dam and the return.
- Time: Allow around 1½ to 2 hours at a relaxed family pace, longer for a picnic or swim.
- Starting point: High Dam car park, near Finsthwaite or there is a car park around 50 metres down in the farms field with an honesty box
- Postcode: LA12 8BJ. Search for the car park itself in your map app, as the postcode covers a wider area.
- Difficulty: A short walk with some steep, rocky sections on the climb. The circuit around the tarn is gentler.
- Pushchairs: I wouldn’t recommend this route for buggies or pushchairs.
- Facilities: No toilets, café or changing facilities on the route.
Where do you park for the High Dam walk?
We use the parking near Finsthwaite, where there are two options close together.
The lower parking area is in a farmer’s field and has operated with an honesty box when we’ve visited. Bring some cash and follow the signs for the current charge and availability.
A little further up the lane is the Lake District National Park’s High Dam car park. This is pay and display, with payment by coins, card or the RingGo app. The RingGo location number is 37301.
It’s worth setting up the app before you leave, but don’t rely entirely on having mobile signal when you arrive. Check the signs for the current prices and make sure you’ve allowed enough time if you’re planning to linger by the water.
The access lane needs to stay clear for farmers and emergency vehicles, so please make sure you use designated parking areas.
The walk up to High Dam
From the upper car park, take the signed woodland path towards High Dam.
The climb takes us around 25 minutes. There are rocky sections and some steeper stretches, so shoes with a decent grip are useful, especially after rain.
We love this part of the walk. You’re surrounded by trees, with the sound of running water beside sections of the path. On sunny days, the light streams through the woodland and on drizzly days, the trees will give you a little shelter.
You’ll reach Low Dam first, the smaller of the two tarns. It’s a lovely place to pause, but keep heading up. High Dam is only around another five minutes away.
Walking around High Dam
There is something so beautiful about the view at the top. It’s not like your usual Lake District views – no mountains in the background or snowy tops but there is a silence and stillness which I just love.
Once you reach the top, that’s the hardest bit done too. The path around the water is generally much gentler than the climb, with a clear route through the trees. At the top you can just pick left or right and you can’t go wrong. There are still uneven patches along the way, roots and stones, as it’s a woodland path rather than a smooth, paved circuit but it’s fairly easy to navigate.
We usually allow about 30 minutes to walk around, but we rarely do it without stopping.
There are little bays and places to sit all around the edge. With woodland surrounding the tarn, you can often find a quiet spot that feels tucked away – if you do bump into anyone else.
On many of our visits, we’ve shared it with only a handful of other people or families. That’s part of why it feels like such a gem. It can be busier at popular times, of course, but walking a little further around often gives you more space.
We often head for the rope swing spot, as the kids love this.
Is the High Dam walk suitable for children?
Yes, we think it’s a lovely family walk. We have an 8 year old, 4 year old and 2 year old and even the two year old tried to totter up a fair way.
It’s short enough to fit into a morning or afternoon, but there’s a lot along the way: running water, bridges, trees and two tarns. Reaching High Dam feels like a little adventure without needing to tackle a big fell.
The climb can be a little rocky and steep in places, so you may just need to give young kids a hand at points.
I wouldn’t recommend bringing a pushchair. For little ones who aren’t walking the whole route, a suitable carrier would be a better option.
Swimming at High Dam
Swimming is one of my favourite things to do here. Being in the water with woodland all around feels wonderfully peaceful, and you can feel much further from everything than you actually are. I often swim out to the islands in the middle and it feels like a little adventure to myself.
I swim here throughout the year, but that’s my own experience as a regular cold-water swimmer. The water can be very cold, even when the weather feels warm, and you just need to always take care swimming outdoors, particulary in winter.
If you’re planning a dip, check the conditions and any warning signs first. Don’t swim alone, enter slowly and work out where you can comfortably get out before you get in. Some parts of the bank are awkward or slippery, and you shouldn’t jump or dive into water where you can’t see what’s underneath. I’ve found it quite rocky in places, so go slow.
I always take plenty of warm layers and a flask of hot tea for afterwards. Having everything ready makes getting changed much easier, particularly on a chilly day.
If you’re new to open-water swimming, read the Lake District National Park’s swimming safety advice before your visit.
What should you take?
There’s nowhere to buy food or drinks at High Dam, so bring what you need.
Our usual bag includes:
- Water and snacks (plus more snacks), or a picnic if we’re staying longer.
- A picnic blanket or something dry to sit on.
- Waterproofs and an extra layer.
- Shoes with good grip.
- Swim kit, a towel, dry clothes and a warm drink if we’re swimming.
- A bag for taking all our rubbish home. Of course!
You can easily spend a few hours here once you’ve found a spot beside the water.
Our favourite stop afterwards: Lakeside
One of our favourite ways to finish the High Dam walk is to head to Lakeside afterwards. You can either drive there from the car park which is about 5 minutes, or you can walk there – around 30 minutes. But remember you’ll have the walk back to your car after!
We love stopping at Lakeside Hotel for something to eat or drink, particularly when we’ve been able to sit outside looking up Windermere. After a woodland walk, and sometimes a swim, getting changed and sitting down with those views feels like a little treat.
The chips have always gone down well with our kids, and we’ve found the staff so so welcoming. We’ve also enjoyed the outdoor cocktail van when it’s been running. Give the espresso martini a go or the selection of Lakes beers.
Outdoor service can change with the season, so check directly before planning to be safe.
Other things to do near High Dam
If everyone still has some energy, Lakeside is also a good place to stretch out the day. There is a pay and display car park here.
You could visit the Lakes Aquarium, take a trip on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, or join a Windermere Lake Cruise.
Boats connect Lakeside with Bowness, with onward connections towards Ambleside depending on the service. Check the current timetables before setting off, particularly outside the main holiday season.
Or keep it simple. A walk, a picnic and a stop for something nice afterwards is often plenty for us.
A perfect woodland walk and swim near your holiday home
High Dam is one of our favourite walks to recommend to guests at The Pheasant Lodge, our self-catering holiday home near Cartmel.
It’s a lovely option when you want some fresh air without committing to a long day out. You can spend a couple of hours exploring, make a slower day, or add a visit to Lakeside afterwards.
Then it’s back to the Lodge, with space to spread out, put your feet up and get the log burner going on cooler evenings.
Have you done the High Dam walk? We’d love to hear whether you have a favourite picnic spot or somewhere you like to stop afterwards.
Hannah – Your Host at the Pheasant Lodge x