High Dam and Rusland Heights Walk

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3.5-5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
12.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
491 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

Walking the High Dam and Rusland Heights Trail is a fun Lake District adventure that will expose you to the picturesque English countryside, complete with rolling hills and beautiful lakes. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill through stretches of farmland and forest terrain to visit the charming shores of High Dam and Boretree Tarn on the Rusland Heights. Parts of this route will require a bit of uphill walking; however, these are more than manageable for the average walker and will produce some beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

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Route Description for High Dam and Rusland Heights Walk

Walking the High Dam and Rusland Heights Trail is a great activity for casual and experienced walkers alike, due to the beautiful scenery and moderately challenging nature of the trail. While there are a few stretches of trail that feature some rugged uphill terrain, for the most part it is a pleasant walk that will allow you to take in some wonderful views across the Lake District landscape. Setting out from the car park, the trail will take you uphill through a lovely stretch of woodland terrain to the northwest before arriving at the quiet shores of High Dam Tarn. After taking in the views across the water, you will continue to the northwest and descend into the valley to eventually arrive at the village of Rusland. From here, you will follow the trail to the southeast, climbing back uphill across the scenic Rusland Heights before passing by the waters of Boretree Tarn. Continue south to descend the forested slopes of Yew Barrow, following the path as it bends to the northeast on the return to the car park where you began.

Getting to the High Dam and Rusland Heights Walk Trailhead

To reach the High Dam and Rusland Heights trailhead from the village of Lakeside, drive north for 1.0 km, and keep straight to continue on for another 0.2 km. Turn left here and follow the road for 0.2 km before making a right. You will arrive at the car park in roughly 146 m.

Route Information

  • When to do

    March-November

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Circuit

High Dam and Rusland Heights Walk Elevation Graph

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High Dam and Rusland Heights Walk Reviews

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