Newby Bridge Circular Walk

4.3 miles (7 km)

This circular walk from the hamlet of Newby Bridge, climbs through woodland to Finsthwaite�Heights and High Dam tarn. The little hamlet is in a lovely spot on the River Leven. It's at the southern tip of Lake Windermere and one of the lesser visited spots in the Lake District. You can reach the village by catching a boat to Lakeside from Bowness. The old steam train on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite�heritage railway will take you from Lakeside to Newby Bridge.
The walk starts from Newby Bridge railway station on the heritage railway. You could also start the walk from Lakeside at Lake Windermere. From here you can pick up footpaths climbing through the woods to Finsthwaite Heights. It's a moderate walk, climbing to a height of over 600ft at the high point at High Dam. The walk then descends through more woodland back to the train station. Around Finsthwaite you can take a small detour and visit Bobbin Mill. The extensive working mill produced millions of wooden bobbins vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries. It is the only working bobbin mill left in the Lake District today. You can learn about the history of the mill through tours and�an exhibition.
To extend your walking in the area you could visit Fell Foot Country Park on the other side of the lake. From here you can enjoy a climb to Gummers How for great views over the lake.

Postcode

LA12 8NB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Newby Bridge Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Newby Bridge Circular Walk Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Newby Bridge Circular Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Newby Bridge Circular Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Newby Bridge

Gummers How - Enjoy wonderful views over Lake Windermere on this short climb to Gummers How in the Lake District National Park
Fell Foot Country Park - This beautiful lakeside country park is situated in the Lake District National Park at the southern tip of Lake Windermere
Bowness - With its lakeside location the village of Bowness-on-Windermere is a lovely place to visit
Cartmel Fell - This walk visits the village of Cartmel Fell from Bowland Bridge in the Lake District
High Dam - This is a popular walk visiting the lovely tarns on Finsthwaite Heights, near Newby Bridge on the south western edge of the Lake District
Latterbarrow - This is a fairly easy climb to Latterbarrow Hill in the Lake District
Claife Heights - Claife Heights lies between Lake Windermere and Esthwaite Water in the Lake District
Esthwaite Water - Enjoy a short stroll down to Esthwaite Water from the village of Hawkshead on this easy walk in the Lake District
Haverthwaite - This walk climbs to Haverthwaite Heights near the Cumbrian village of Haverthwaite
Greenodd - This Cumbrian village is located near Ulverston and the south western boundary of the Lake District National Park
Backbarrow - This riverside village is located just south of Lake Windermere in the Lake District National Park.
West Windermere Way - This new waymarked walk or cycle takes you along the south western side of Lake Windermere.

Pubs/Cafes

Head to The Swan Hotel for some well earned post walk refreshment. The hotel has a nice outdoor seating area right next to the river where you can enjoy a fine view with your meal on a sunny day. You can find the family friendly hotel at postcode LA12 8NB for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The woodland and hill climbs are great for fit dogs. The Swan Hotel mentioned above is also dog friendly. If you stay at the hotel they will be treated to their own homemade dog biscuit, and use of their very own towels and dog bowls!

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head to neighbouring Haverthwaite and you can enjoy a climb to Haverthwaite Heights where there are some pleasant woodland trails, interesting rocky outcrops and good views to enjoy. Right next to Haverthwaite is neighbouring Backbarrow, where you can explore the the 18th century Ironworks and the popular Lakeland Motor Museum.
Near here is the little village of Greenodd positioned in a lovely spot where the River Crake�flows into the estuary of the�River Leven.
The walk links up with the West Windermere Way at the south western end of the lake. The new waymarked route visits Lakeside, Finsthwaite and Stott Park. It is suitable for both walkers and cyclists.