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Haweswater
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Haweswater

Region: Eastern Lakes
Town: The Lakes
County: Cumbria
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Full Description: Haweswater is the most easterly of the Lakes and has no settlements along its shores. It is one of the most isolated lakes in the Lake District which has made it one of the most untouched and peaceful lakes. In 1929 a bill was passed by Parliament authorising the use of Haweswater as a reservoir for Manchester, so a concrete dam was built 1550 feet wide and 120 feet high which raised the level of the lake by 95 feet. Haweswater is 4 miles, half a mile wide and has a depth of up to 200 feet in places making it one of the largest lakes in the Lake District. In the construction of the dam the villages of Mardale and Measand, and the Dun Bull Inn were demolished, graves were even dug up and coffins re-buried elsewhere. Sometime when the water level is low people go back to see what is left of the village of Mardale.

The Haweswater Dam was considered to be an engineering feat at its time of construction, there is a 56 inch walkway along the top of the dam. Haweswater reservoir now owned by united utilities can hold up to 18.6 billion gallons of water.

Haweswater is home to many types of wildlife, especially birds. Woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, peregrine falcons and buzzards all live around the water. Haweswater is one of the only places in England where golden eagles breed. During breeding season an observation point is open, which can be reached from the western end of the water. In 1969 a pair of eagles first nested in the valley, the male and the female eagles have changed many times over the years; sixteen chicks in total have been produced. The female bird has not been seen since 2004 leaving the male on its own it is hoped a replacement will be drawn to the area.

A new road was built along the east side of the lake to replace the flooded highway lower in the valley and the Haweswater Hotel was constructed as a replacement for the Dun Bull Inn. The road runs to the west side of the lake where there is a small car park which is a popular starting point for walkers who want to explore the surrounding fells of Harter Fell Branstree.

Just like all the other lakes, Haweswater is truly a beautiful place to visit and just simply take in the scenery of explore the stunning English countryside


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