The Area
The Area
The Rusland Valley is a forgotten corner of the Lakes District. Only 30 minutes from the M6, nestled between the Coniston and Windermere, the valley is a secluded idyll relatively unmarked by tourism.
You can easily spend the weekend just walking or cycling from Rookhow without having to get back in the car to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Things to Do
Things to Do
GRIZEDALE FOREST cycle trails and mountain bike trails.
SCULPTURE TRAIL, cafe and adventure playground in the Grizedale Forest.
WILD SWIMMING AT HIGH DAM: Walk 2.5 miles over the hills to High Dam, a classic Lake District wild swimming spot and beautiful place for a picnic. A lovely round walk from Rookhow (see Walk 2 below). About an hour each way, more with younger children or less if you run!
LAKESIDE & HAVERTHWAITE STEAM RAILWAY Steam train ride through the beautiful Leven Valley near Lake Windermere. Only 15 mins by car from Rookhow and there's a yummy tearoom too!
LAKES AQUARIUM, Newby Bridge (20 mins from Rookhow near the steam railway and Fell Foot Park)
BETHECAR MOOR & the slidy stone: less than a mile away on the way to Bethecar Moor this is a favourite challenge for children and their parents. Take some cardboard to sit on!
FELL FOOT PARK (20mins by car) on the tip of Lake Windermere: with an adventure playground, cafe with ice creams, plenty of space to run around and lakeside access if you want a quick dip, dingy or canoe.
FELL FOOT PARK RUN every Saturday 9am by the tip of Lake Windermere. 10 mins by car. Visitors welcome. Parking available.
RUSLAND HORIZONS have produced 6 leaflets of walks around Rusland. Copies in the Bunkbarn. They often run moth walks, bat walks, early morning bird walks and even dry stone walling training! See their website for more details.
OXEN PARK CINEMA CLUB run regular film nights the Carthouse, 2 miles down the road from Rookhow. They're now open to bookings of small sole use groups. Their secretary, Carol McNeill is a Rookhow supporter.
