Sandscale Haws and Roanhead Beach
Sandscale Haws is a National Trust nature reserve on the Duddon Estuary, near Barrow-in-Furness, and one of the finest coastal dune systems in the area.
Roanhead Beach is the beach that forms part of the reserve, so you can enjoy sands, dunes and wildlife all in one visit.
Roanhead Beach
Nearby Roanhead Beach has sweeping views across the Duddon Estuary towards the Lake District fells beyond.
From Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands, it is around 20 miles away – roughly a 40-minute drive.
The beach is part of the National Trust’s Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve.
Its wide, open sands make it a lovely place for a walk, particularly when the tide is out, although swimming is not recommended because of the strong and potentially hazardous tidal currents.
There is something wonderfully peaceful about walking along Roanhead Beach, with the estuary on one side and the dunes behind you.
A special place for wildlife
On a clear day, the views across towards the fells are particularly impressive.
The dunes behind Roanhead Beach are an important habitat for a wide range of wildlife and plants.
Sandscale Haws supports around a quarter of the UK’s natterjack toad population, making it one of the country’s most important sites for this rare amphibian.
At certain times of year, areas may be fenced off to protect the toads and other wildlife, so please keep an eye out for signs when exploring the reserve.
The dunes provide an ideal home for the natterjack toad, which thrives in the sandy surroundings and shallow pools found here.
Listen for the natterjack toads
On late spring and early summer evenings, the calls of male natterjacks carry across the dunes. These toads dig burrows in soft sand and breed in shallow pools.
Natterjacks are easy to tell apart from common toads. They are smaller, with olive-green colouring, and have a distinctive yellow stripe running down the middle of the back.
They are also a protected species. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to disturb or handle natterjack toads without a licence, so please enjoy them from a distance.
Numbers have declined across the UK, and the north-west coast is one of their last strongholds.
Visiting Sandscale Haws with your dog
Sandscale Haws and Roanhead is a great place to explore with your dog, but it is important to remember that this is a nature reserve as well as a popular walking area.
Dogs are welcome at Sandscale Haws, but please take notice of signs and any temporary restrictions.
Keep your dog close or on a lead where requested, particularly during the sensitive spring and summer wildlife season.
The National Trust also asks visitors to keep dogs away from the pools where natterjack toads breed.
With a little care, you can enjoy the wonderful walks here while helping to protect the wildlife that makes Sandscale Haws so special.
A lovely coastal walk in South Cumbria
One of the things I like about Sandscale Haws is the variety.
You can enjoy a walk along the beach, explore the dunes, take in the views across the Duddon Estuary and, if you’re lucky, spot some of the area’s wildlife along the way.
It also feels a world away from some of the busier tourist spots in the Lake District.
If you fancy getting out for a few hours and discovering somewhere a little quieter, Roanhead is well worth putting on your list.
And, of course, keep an eye on the tide. The character of the beach changes considerably as the tide comes and goes.
Where to stay near Sandscale Haws and Roanhead
Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands is well placed for exploring Sandscale Haws and Roanhead, an is around 25 miles away, roughly a 40-minute drive.
Our peaceful two-bedroom holiday cottage makes a comfortable base for exploring the South Lakes, Morecambe Bay and the wider Lake District.
After a day exploring the coast, you can return to the cottage, put your feet up and enjoy the views across Morecambe Bay.
If you’re looking for a peaceful Lake District holiday cottage with easy access to the coast, countryside and some of our favourite local walks, we’d love to welcome you.
Please ring 07785944194 or visit kentsbankholiday.co.uk to enquire about staying in this beautiful part of Lakeland.