Cumbria’s Heat Wave

Cumbria’s Heat Wave!

For one day

The temperature soared above 30C.

Those lovely lakes filled by what can feel like incessant rain have more purpose.

And yes, I know they are mainly ‘waters’ and ‘tarns’

As well as the main 16, Windermere and co, scattered on the fells and hidden in woods are tiny tarns and abandoned reservoirs from days before mass movement of water.

Finsthwaite Church

Tucked away above the southern end of Windermere, sits the pretty village of Finsthwaite with its fascinating church.  Designed as a church ‘suitable for an alpine area’.

 A short walk up the hill, through the woods and to the waters of High Dam.  Built as a reservoir to feed the bobbin mills when Cumbria was more than just a tourist destination. 

Wander a little higher and you’ll achieve the lofty height of 600 metres and Finsthwaite Heights.  As mentioned by Wainwright, all be it in his book on outlying fells.

High Dam Reservoire

For once it was the water not the hill.  And it was blissful.  I’m a frequent swimmer but sadly not that often in the Lakes, too much in the chlorine riddled waters of an indoor pool.  So the joy of fresh water.

Waterlilly

Even warm fresh water.

Though clean it was as dark as tea and northing to be seen much below the first 20cm or so.

Waterlilly

High Dam car park here:  grid reference: 368 882 Postcode: LA12 8BJ (nearest available). The car park lies to the north of Finsthwaite and there is a charge.  Being mid week and quiet, we parked near the church.