High Dam dog walk, Cumbria

LA12 8BJ

High Dam dog walk, Cumbria - Cumbria dog walk
High Dam dog walk, Cumbria - Cumbria dog walk
High Dam dog walk, Cumbria - Cumbria dog walk
High Dam dog walk, Cumbria - Cumbria dog walk

Description

A brilliant walk up to and around the man-made reservoirs that fed Stott Park Bobbin Mill.

Disabled Access Not Available
Refreshments Not Available
WC Not Available
Free Parking Not Available
Children's Activities Not Available
Height Restriction
Sleep Not Available

Details

GPS coords for car park: 54.2860, -2.9715  There is a pay and display car park, so please bring cash for the machine. You'll probably want more than an hour unless you are planning to walk fast! There is NO BIN, so all poo bags must be taken away with you! The whole route is fenced in and sheep don't graze these woods, so this can be a great off-leash playground!

Full Walk Details

As you walk out of the car park there is a map of the area - I suggest you take a quick photo of this!  Follow the path uphill.

At the 1st junction you can go straight on up the rockier and steeper path (I usually go up this way and return on the gradual path). Or you can turn right and follow the gentler gradient route which rejoins the direct path further up. If you choose the "rocky route" ignore the bridge over the stream and continue uphill with the stream on your left.

You'll meet the "gentle route" coming in on your right when the path begins to flatten out. When the path forks, follow the main path to the left, which will bring you to a lovely bench near a ford and bridge. Ignore the bridge and follow the path on the right to the Low Dam. The top of Low Dam is very shallow and ideal for dogs and children to play in the water.

If you continue uphill a short walk will bring you to High Dam itself. You can follow the circular path around High Dam in either direction. I like to cross the bridge to the right and follow the main path anti-clockwise. There are mini bays on the left where you can enter the water and paddle/swim. 

Bear left, ignoring the gate ahead and cross the boardwalk for a climb up to the bench for a great view. The path drops down through the woods and you see High Dam again on your left. As you get closer to the dam wall there is a path junction.

I like to turn right here and the path goes through the woods to the ford/bridge/bench below Low Dam. If you choose the left path you'll walk along the dam wall and turn right before crossing the bridge. This will then lead you back past Low Dam to the bench.

On the return route I bear left and follow the more obvious and gentle descent that I didn't use on the way uphill. The car park is visible on your left from this path.