High Dam Tarn

High Dam Tarn, hidden in the fells north of Newby Bridge, is a dream spot for sunbathing, swimming and soaking up the beauty of the South Lakes.

On first glance, this idyllic location looks completely natural but it was actually man-made to power Stott Park Bobbin Mill which made bobbins for the Lancashire cotton mills in the 19th century.

The tarn is a popular picnic place but it’s not half as overrun as some Lake District beauty spots. And if you want to escape the people, you only need head out on one of the hiking trails that lead from the tarn into the open countryside.

You can walk to High Dam Tarn from the Lakeside ferry terminus on Windermere (about 3 km each way), or you can set off from the pay and display car park below it at Finsthwaite. It’s about 1 km from the car park, up hill. It’s well worth the climb.