Dams for Stott Park Bobbin Mill

Back in the days when south Cumbria was part of Lancashire and was more industrial than playground, Stott Park Bobbin Mill made bobbins for Lancashire's spinning and weaving industries. The huge machinery was powered by the water which tumbled down the hillside from the north-west into the village of Finsthwaite.
Today we walked into the low sunshine from the village to High Dam Tarn which was originally formed to improve the flow of water to the mill.
The walk began with a short ascent through mature woodlands

After the short ascent we came to Little Dam, a tranquil pool

A couple of minutes further up and High Dam Tarn opened out before us
The walk round the tarn was mostly though sheltered woods

There were bilberry shrubs everywhere - we made a mental note to return next summer for berry picking