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Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve
Lake DistrictOutstanding 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
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 4 February 2026
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Welcome hut Closed - 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
We welcome the news that the application for 230 lodges and associated development at Roanhead on the Furness peninsula has been refused.
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
Take a wintry stroll along the beach and glimpse views of the Lakeland Fells.
Events this winter
See what's on at Sandscale Haws.
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
A Night with the Natterjacks
Peep into the night time world of the dunes on this walk with our rangers.
Event
In Search of Coralroot Orchids
Join the rangers on a walk to spot the elusive coralroot orchid as it flowers in early summer.
Event
Secrets of Sandscale's Orchids
Join this guided walk to spot flowering orchids and other wildflowers.
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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