You won’t want to miss Haweswater’s rare and beautiful wildlife, nor the chance to explore its dramatic mountain setting.
⚠ Pack a picnic not a BBQ ⚠
In warm and dry weather, the risk of wildfire is high. Please do not light BBQs and make sure to dispose of any rubbish as these can be a fire hazard in hot and dry environments.
Wild Haweswater is a landscape restoration partnership between the RSPB and landowner United Utilities, in the beautiful eastern Lake District National Park.
Learn more about Wild Haweswater, and explore our events.
At Haweswater, elusive Red Squirrels scurry up trees, Ring Ouzels glide over the hills, salmon swim in the rivers and Mountain Ringlet butterflies make the most of the alpine wildflowers.
Haweswater’s rugged landscape can be discovered through a variety of hiking trails – soak up the atmosphere of ancient woodland, wander past rushing streams and stroll over rolling heathland and moorland. We also have active farms on the reserve, so look out for our small flock of sheep and herd of cattle and ponies as you roam.
Haweswater is an idyllic spot that the RSPB maintains in partnership with the landowner - water company United Utilities. Together, our work improves the site for wildlife, drinking water and people.
By developing our sustainable farming operation and creating our tree nursery, wildlife hides, accommodation, education, scientific research and a range of other activities, Haweswater shows how landscapes can be transformed, helping to support the local economy and provide space for people from all walks of life to enjoy our natural environment.
The work has also demonstrated how nature can deliver effective solutions to the climate crisis and increase the diversity and abundance of wildlife that calls Haweswater home.
Located at the southern end of Haweswater Reservoir, Mardale Head is where you’ll find the main visitor car park for the site. It can be reached by slowly driving along the winding road along the edge of the reservoir, enjoying spectacular scenery as you go.
There are several pull-ins where you can briefly park to stop and admire the view.
The car park here is open at all times.
You can find the What3Words location for this car park here: weary.intrigued.published
There are no toilets here. the nearest public toilets are in Shap around ten miles away.
There are no toilets here. the nearest public toilets are in Shap around ten miles away.
Please also bear in mind that the upland landscape here is incredibly steep and rugged, with very uneven terrain, so the paths can be demanding on your physical fitness.
Please also bear in mind that the upland landscape here is incredibly steep and rugged, with very uneven terrain, so the paths can be demanding on your physical fitness.
There are no toilets here. the nearest public toilets are in Shap around ten miles away.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs are welcome on the public footpaths and bridleways on the reserve but must be kept under close, effective control at all times, due to the wildlife and livestock.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
In warm and dry weather, the risk of wildfire is high. Please do not light BBQs and make sure to dispose of any rubbish as these can be a fire hazard in hot and dry environments.
Discover Wild Fell by Lee Schofield, RSPB Site Manager at Haweswater here.
Learn more about visiting Haweswater and to explore our events and experiences.
We know that Haweswater is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.