Rusland: Nature, Trails and History

When planning a trip to Rusland, you can choose different focuses: nature, trails with changing landscapes, architectural and cultural history, or the Rusland Show. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Rusland, deciding on your focus can help organise your travel plans. The trails vary in terrain and character; Greenwood Trail 5 also offers a choice between a short and a longer route. The Old Coffin Road adds a medieval connection to the network of trails, while the Church of St Paul focuses on building phases and a burial site. The event date also provides a specific point of reference for August.

Nature Reserve and Trails

Rusland Moss National Nature Reserve lies at the upper end of Rusland Valley and covers 22 hectares. Its location and area provide two specific points of reference for Rusland’s natural environment.

Greenwood Trail 1 passes along gently undulating woodland paths, through fields and sections of moorland, over a boardwalk and along quiet country roads. The Old Coffin Road is also on this route. In the Middle Ages, it was used to transport the dead for burial in consecrated ground. Greenwood Trail 1 thus combines varied paths and landscapes with a specific example of a medieval road’s use.

On Greenwood Trail 5, you can choose between a short and a longer route. The short route passes open fields along the tidal river “Rusland Pool”, through woodland and along a narrow road. The longer route includes riverside areas, mature woodland and rugged, open upland. The two options therefore differ not only in length but also in their landscapes.

Parts of Greenwood Trail 5 may be impassable at certain times because of the tidal river. Tides and weather affect trail conditions, so check local conditions before setting out.

Architectural and Cultural History

The Church of St Paul was built in 1745 and rebuilt in 1868, with the exception of the tower. The dates mark two building phases: construction in the 18th century was followed by rebuilding in the 19th century, with the tower remaining untouched. Arthur Ransome is buried beneath a Corsican pine in the south-east corner of the churchyard. This burial site adds another cultural connection to the building’s history.

The historical themes differ in scale: the Old Coffin Road focuses on the medieval use of a road for burials, while the Church of St Paul is associated with building phases and a burial site. This lets you consider the history of the trails separately from the architectural history.

The Rusland Show

The Rusland Show takes place on the third Saturday in August at Whitestock Meadow. The show includes fell races, track races, egg throwing and tug of war; horticulture, homemade produce, crafts, photography and film are also exhibited. The programme therefore includes both races and games, as well as various exhibition categories. If you include the show in your travel plans, check the event date for your year of travel. The programme therefore includes both races and games, as well as various exhibition categories.

Discover more destinations: Staveley, Crosby Garrett, Dent, Great Clifton, Haverthwaite, Embleton, Cotehill, Newby Bridge.

For the wider travel guide: Cumbria.