Haweswater Reservoir

Haweswater Reservoir is an upland reservoir in the English Lake District, Cumbria, formed by impounding a mountain valley. It functions as a public water supply and is set in open moorland and fell country.

The reservoir offers long shoreline and upland walking routes with extensive views across the water and to surrounding fells; interest includes the visible site of the former valley settlement that was flooded when the reservoir was created. Recreation focuses on walking, photography and remote countryside access.

The valley was intentionally flooded in the 20th century to create a regulated water storage; management and ownership are by the regional water authority responsible for supplying potable water to parts of North West England.

Haweswater sits in the eastern part of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England, within a remote upland landscape and accessible via minor local roads.

• Submerged village: When the valley was flooded to create the reservoir in the 20th century, the former settlement of Mardale Green was submerged and its site can sometimes be located at low water levels.
• Access and recreation: Popular with walkers and photographers for routes along the shore and surrounding fells, access is by minor roads and footpaths with limited on-site facilities.

What to See #

• Haweswater dam: The dam at the eastern end of the lake forms the reservoir's outfall and is the engineered structure that impounds the valley to create the water supply.