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Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve
Outstanding dune habitat supporting a wealth of wildlife and with magnificent views across the Duddon Estuary onto the Lakeland Fells.
Roanhead, Hawthwaite Lane, near Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4QJ
Opening times for 2 July 2025
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Welcome hut Closed MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosed- Car park
Small car park on site.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed on leads and under close control.
- Toilet
Toilets available throughout the summer season.
Toilet block before entrance to the car park. Disabled bays in car park, which is constructed of a tarmac road with gravelled stone bays. New boardwalks from dunes down to the beach. Paths through sand dunes are undulating and uneven.
- By road
Take junction 36 off the M6, then head west on the A590. Drive through Ulverston towards Barrow-in-Furness. After passing Dalton-in-Furness, take Oaklea Road on your right, signposted to Roanhead
- On foot
Sandscale Haws is on the Cumbria Coastal Way from Barrow-in-Furness or from Askam-in-Furness
- By train
Barrow-in-Furness station (4 ½ miles)
- By bus
There are no local bus routes but you can catch a bus to Dalton and Barrow-in-Furness. For more information visit Cumbria Council's bus services
- Cycling
Regional Route 20 runs 151 miles from Barrow-in-Furness to the mouth of the River Wear on the North Sea. There are cycle paths and marked cycle lanes from Barrow-in-Furness along the A590, which are a mixture of on and off-road
- Car-free
Travel the green way and help us preserve this amazing place. Explore the new journey planner for Morecambe Bay to find how out how you can arrive, whether via the beautiful Furness railway, the Bay cycle route, or the network of country paths. Plan your car-free visit with help from the Morecambe Bay Partnership
Roanhead, Hawthwaite Lane, near Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 4QJ
Planning your visit
News
Roanhead Farm development risks irreparable harm to nature
The National Trust, RSPB, Friends of the Lake District, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust have joined forces to object to the most recent proposed redevelopment at Roanhead Farm , which lies directly adjacent to the internationally significant nature sites.
Highlights
National Nature Reserve
A beach with wild, grass-covered dunes and Lakeland mountain views. The perfect habitat for rare wildlife, including the natterjack toad.
Spotlight events
This summer, discover the unique wildlife of Sandscale Haws with guided walks.
Summer at Sandscale Haws
Summer is all about spending time on the beach, and beach combing for treasure. Spot weird and wonderful fungi in late summer, and listen for the mooing of grazing cattle amongst the sand dunes.
Women in Conservation Day
Join our Women in Conservation Day and help us create habitats in the sand dunes.
Nature's Story Walks
Take a family friendly nature’s story walk at Sandscale Haws with internationally renowned storyteller Emily Hennessey.
Things to see and do
Article
Wildlife spotting at Sandscale Haws
Spot a wealth of wildlife at Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, and take in the panoramic views of the Duddon estuary and Lake District fells beyond.
Article
Visiting Sandscale Haws with your dog
Sandscale Haws is a great place to explore with your dog. To help keep this place special for other people and wildlife, please follow the Canine Code.
Places to stay
Holeslack Farmhouse
Contemporary and rustic combine in this Grade II listed farmhouse on the Sizergh estate.
Thrang
A rural hideaway in Duddon Valley, this farmhouse is a peaceful retreat amongst fells and streams.
Tanner Brow
Sitting on the western shore of Lake Windermere, this first floor apartment is a cosy retreat.
High Strawberry Gardens
A simple lakeside retreat for an uplugged holiday, with a jetty to launch your canoe or kayak in Windermere.
Low Strawberry Gardens
A simple lakeside retreat for an uplugged holiday, with a jetty to launch your canoe or kayak into Windermere.
Upcoming events
Event
Secrets of Sandscale's Orchids
Join this guided walk to spot flowering orchids and other wildflowers.
Event
Women in Conservation Day
Join our Women in Conservation Day and help us create habitats in the sand dunes.
Event
Nature's Story Walk
Take a family friendly nature’s story walk at Sandscale Haws with internationally renowned storyteller Emily Hennessey.
About Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve
Sandy estuary of the River Duddon with panoramic of the Lakeland mountains. All the dune grasslands at Sandscale Haws support a rich flora including the very rare Dune Helleborine.
A significant area for Natterjack Toads, Sandscale Haws supports one quarter of the national population of the rare amphibian, which is only found at a few other sites in the UK. There are also migratory bird populations of international importance, including Pintail, Red Knot and Common Redshank. Over 20,000 wintering waterfowl can be seen regularly.
Our work
Article
Our work at Sandscale Haws
Learn how dedicated rangers and volunteers work to keep this rugged landscape a happy home for wildlife and wildflowers.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Sandscale Haws.
Donate to Sandscale Haws
With your help we can continue to care for Sandscale Haws, and its rare and wonderful wildlife.
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