Discover Rusland: Nature, Trails and History

Rusland combines protected landscapes, varied trails and a distinctive local history. Anyone looking for a holiday cottage or holiday home will find inspiration here for active days as well as cultural discoveries. Covering 22 hectares, Rusland Moss National Nature Reserve lies at the upper end of Rusland Valley and gives the surrounding area a distinctive landscape identity.

Nature and walking trails around Rusland

For a walk featuring changing landscapes, Greenwood Trail 1 is a good choice. The route follows gently hilly woodland paths, fields, sections of moorland, a boardwalk and quiet country lanes. This creates a varied sequence of trail conditions without limiting the route to just one type of landscape. When planning your day, you can consider whether your group would prefer to travel through woodland and open terrain or combine different sections of the trail.

A historical feature of this trail is the Old Coffin Road on Greenwood Trail 1. In the Middle Ages, it was used to transport the deceased for burial in consecrated ground. Its name and history add an extra cultural dimension to the walk and make the trail interesting for travellers who enjoy connecting landscapes with the region's past.

Two different versions of Greenwood Trail 5

Greenwood Trail 5 offers a choice between two different landscape experiences. The short route follows open fields alongside a tidal river, the “Rusland Pool”, then passes through woodland and continues along a narrow road. Parts of this trail may be impassable at certain times because of the tidal river. Take this into account when planning and bear in mind that the water level can affect the route available.

The longer route of Greenwood Trail 5 includes waterside areas, mature woodland and rugged, open upland. It is therefore suited to travellers who want to experience several types of landscape on one outing. The two versions offer a straightforward choice based on the kind of day you want: the short route has a different focus from the longer route, with its open upland sections. Greenwood Trail 8 is also useful for finding your way around the area; it leads south to the church in Rusland.

Church, churchyard and local tradition

The Church of St Paul was built in 1745 and rebuilt in 1868, apart from the tower. The churchyard also contains the grave of Arthur Ransome, which lies beneath a Corsican pine in the south-east corner of the churchyard. Anyone interested in architectural history and literary connections can include this site in their exploration of Rusland.

Another special event is the Rusland Show. It takes place on the third Saturday in August at Whitestock Meadow. The programme includes fell races, track races, egg throwing and tug-of-war. Horticulture, homemade produce, handicrafts, photography and film are also exhibited. In this way, the event combines sporting competitions with insights into local produce and creative work.

Choosing Rusland as a holiday destination

When looking for a holiday cottage in Rusland, you can consider what you want your trip to focus on. For walking enthusiasts, the different Greenwood Trail routes and the nature reserve are important points of reference. Anyone wanting to combine nature and culture will find several distinct themes in the Old Coffin Road, the Church of St Paul and the Rusland Show.

For further searches for suitable places and holiday ideas, you can also explore Wellington, Carlisle, Bassenthwaite, Cartmel, Ireby, Lindal in Furness, Lupton and Arnside.

For the broader travel overview: Cumbria.