
Sandscale Haws NNR Roanhead
Explore vast, peaceful sand dunes and coastal paths at Sandscale Haws NNR Roanhead, a stunning natural reserve with accessible boardwalks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spot diverse flora and fauna

Sandscale Haws NNR Roanhead
Best Time
Spot diverse flora and fauna

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore vast, peaceful sand dunes and coastal paths at Sandscale Haws NNR Roanhead, a stunning natural reserve with accessible boardwalks.
"A peaceful place with lovely beach and dunes - you could walk round for hours!"

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Dunes can be soft and grassy paths steep. Good walking shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
🐶 Keep Dogs on Lead
Help protect wildlife and other visitors by keeping your dog under control.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Dunes
Throughout the NNR
Explore vast, rolling sand dunes offering a unique coastal landscape and a sense of wildness.

Coastal Boardwalk
Main access routes
Enjoy accessible paths with stunning beach views, perfect for strollers and wheelchairs.

Diverse Flora & Fauna
Various habitats
Discover a variety of plant species and wildlife, especially if visiting during the right season.

Architect-Designed Welcome Centre
Entrance area
Appreciate the modern, thoughtfully designed visitor center that complements the natural surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Dunes can be soft and grassy paths steep. Good walking shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
🐶 Keep Dogs on Lead
Help protect wildlife and other visitors by keeping your dog under control.
🚗 Parking Availability
There's a good amount of parking, but it can get busy during peak times.
♿ Accessible Boardwalk
Enjoy easy access via the well-maintained boardwalk, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Dunes can be soft and grassy paths steep. Good walking shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
🐶 Keep Dogs on Lead
Help protect wildlife and other visitors by keeping your dog under control.
🚗 Parking Availability
There's a good amount of parking, but it can get busy during peak times.
♿ Accessible Boardwalk
Enjoy easy access via the well-maintained boardwalk, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
🚻 No Public Toilets
Plan ahead as there are no public toilets on-site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sandscale Haws NNR Roanhead for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful beach and dune scenery, and the accessible boardwalk. It's a great spot for long walks and enjoying nature. Some note the lack of public toilets and the challenging nature of soft sand paths for wheelchairs.
"A peaceful place, lovely beach and dunes - some very steep and grassy. End of December so no birds spotted, you could walk round for hours! Beach views and a great walk, bit misty to see the fells, NT members park for free, quite popular!"
ilona rigo
"Plenty of parking can be peaceful depending on the time you visit. There is a well maintained boardwalk for easy access routes for wheelchairs/scooters and pushchairs. There are some soft sandy routes that are not suitable for wheelchairs as you will most likely to get stuck. Apart from the short boardwalk routes, there is plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy and relax to."
H L D
"Great walk, cold windy but worth to stop and explore !"
Kasia Kropielnicka
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sandscale Haws NNR Roanhead is accessible by car, with a car park available on-site. Public transport options may be limited, so checking local bus routes is recommended if not driving.
Yes, there is a good amount of parking available at the NNR. However, it can become quite popular and busy, especially during peak visiting times.
Cycling is a great way to reach the NNR if you are local. Be mindful of the terrain once you arrive, especially the soft sand areas.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for a day trip, offering hours of exploration through its diverse landscapes and coastal paths.
The NNR is located near Barrow-in-Furness on the Furness Peninsula in Cumbria, making it a great destination for those in the surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the NNR itself is free. National Trust members can park for free, suggesting that parking may have a fee for non-members.
As a nature reserve, Sandscale Haws is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check with the National Trust for any specific access restrictions or seasonal changes.
Yes, guided tours are sometimes organized, often by local societies like the Hardy Orchid Society, led by knowledgeable rangers. Keep an eye on local event listings.
The welcome centre is part of the NNR, and entry is typically included with access to the reserve. Specific details might be available on the National Trust website.
National Trust members enjoy free parking, which is a significant benefit. For others, the reserve itself is free to enter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a mix of well-maintained boardwalks for easy access and softer, sandy routes through the dunes. The terrain varies, offering different levels of challenge.
The well-maintained boardwalk provides excellent accessibility for wheelchairs, scooters, and pushchairs. However, some of the soft sandy routes are not suitable.
The reserve is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Depending on the season, you might spot various animal species and a range of plant life.
There are no public toilets readily available on-site. While there's a welcome centre, information about a cafe is not widely mentioned, so bringing your own refreshments is advisable.
You could easily spend several hours exploring the vast site. A leisurely walk can last a couple of hours, but dedicated nature observation could extend this significantly.
📸 📸 Photography
The rolling dunes, expansive beach views, and the unique welcome centre offer great photographic opportunities. Capture the interplay of light and shadow on the sand.
Absolutely. The coastal scenery, especially during sunrise or sunset, provides dramatic backdrops. The varied textures of the dunes are also very photogenic.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape photography. Misty conditions can also create a moody and atmospheric scene.
Yes, if you're patient and observant, you can capture images of the local wildlife. Consider bringing a telephoto lens for better shots of birds or other creatures.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to check with the National Trust for any specific guidelines or permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Hikers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Dunes and Coastal Paths
The landscape is dynamic, shaped by wind and sea, creating a constantly evolving environment. Keep an eye out for the diverse flora that thrives in this sandy habitat, especially during spring and summer. The feeling of being immersed in this natural coastal environment is a major draw for many visitors.
Wildlife Spotting and Conservation
Conservation efforts are evident, with clear signage encouraging responsible visitor behavior, such as keeping dogs on leads to protect the delicate ecosystem. The presence of diverse flora and fauna underscores the importance of preserving this coastal habitat. Visitors are encouraged to observe wildlife respectfully and minimize their impact on the environment.
Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
While the boardwalk provides a smooth experience, some of the natural sandy paths can be soft and difficult to traverse, particularly for wheelchairs or pushchairs. This means that while parts of the NNR are highly accessible, a full exploration might require more physical effort on the natural dune trails.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit