The Haweswater Reservoir was constructed in 1919 to provide water for the city of Manchester. Although man-made the reservoir can be regarded as the most easterly of all the lakes in the Lake District. Set in the middle of the Eastern Fells, Haweswater is easily accesible form the M6. The route from J39 goes through Shap, on to Bampton, and then to the hamlet of Burnbanks at the top of the reservoir.
The present walk follows the banks of Haweswater for 9 miles; the circular path ensures that the walker cannot get lost and is guaranteed to finish at the starting point! The photo album shows the weather when the walk was last undertaken (Sunday 26/10/03): late autumn, blue sky, sun shine all day, and no wind. The perfect conditions for any walk. It is best to start the walk from Burnbanks; this ensures that the walker gets the sun on the western side of the water in the morning and then enjoys the sunshine once again in the afternoon on the eastern shore.
The Haweswater Hotel is the only building to be encountered on the walk except for the water piers nearby. Thankfully the Hotel caters for walkers in the aptly named Walkers Bar which is open all day for drinks, meals and snacks.

A circular walk around Haweswater

Distance: about 9 miles; time required about 5 hours.
The walk starts opposite the car parking area in Burnbanks. Walk up the stony track behind the bungalow complex following the sign post to Upper Mardale.
A steady climb uphill leads to the fell side with a wood of tall trees on the left. Haweswater soon comes into view and then the high dam. Once on the right track there is little more to be said regarding the path. From Brunbanks to Upper Mardale the path is straight forward; all the walker needs do is enjoy the changing land- and water-scape.
After half an hour The Forces Waterfall is the first main feature to be crossed, it is the first of many becks that feed the reservoir.
(time= 1 hr 20 min)
The waterfall at Whelter Beck was chosen as a picnic spot with lovely views over the water to the `Haweswater Hotel and the Pier.
On continuing the prominent Gate Crag and The Rigg come into view. After such a dry summer the reservoir was very low so there was little water at the Mardale Head end of the reservoir. This gave the opportunity for the drowned field system with the long lost stone walls to be observed.
Afer the FB over Riggindale Beck the path continues between short standing stones.
The FB over Mardale Beck leads around to the car park.
(time= 1 hr 10 min)
The Haweswater Shore FP starts on the left of the wall at the end of the car park and follows a narrow grassy and often stony path to the water pier where the path enters a wooded area. Just before the Haweswater Hotel the FP rises up to the road where a squeezer stile allows access. (time= 1 hr 5 min)
The path continues through the wood and eventually leads onto the road shortly before the dam. Walk along road into Burnbanks. About 250 yd after the entrance to Naddle Farm (seen on the right) look for the FP sign on the left to Burnbanks. The path ends at the car parking area.
(time= 1 hr)
(total time 4 hr 40 min)