What's here? at Haweswater
Available on site
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
The RSPB does not manage any of the trails and paths here.
Please bear in mind that the upland landscape here is incredibly steep and rugged, with very uneven terrain, so the paths here can be demanding on your physical fitness.
All the public rights of way across the site are marked on OS maps. We are working on developing additional visitor information, including short guides and maps.
In the meantime, please feel welcome to contact us haweswater@rspb.org.uk to enquire about your visit.
This experience must be booked in advance via our website:
Enjoy intimate views of badgers and excellent photography opportunities, from the comfort of the RSPB's Badger Hide at Haweswater. A unique opportunity to watch and photograph these secretive mammals in the Lake District National Park, at close range.
There are no other formal viewing points here. As there is nowhere to shelter, we recommend you dress appropriately for the weather and the exposed nature of the landscape here.
Not available on site
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.
There is no cafe or shop here, the nearest place for food and drinks is in Shap around ten miles away. We recommend you bring your own food and drinks if this is likely to affect your visit.
There is no visitor centre here and this reserve does not routinely have any staff on site.
Restrictions
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.