Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve is a sweep of grass-covered dunes and beach at Roanhead on the Duddon Estuary, four and a half miles from Barrow-in-Furness station, looking across to the Lakeland fells. It is one of the most important sites in the country for the natterjack toad, holding about a quarter of the national population, and its dune grassland carries a rich flora including the very rare dune helleborine. Pintail, red knot and common redshank are among the migratory birds here, with over 20,000 wintering waterfowl seen regularly. Undulating paths cross the dunes, new boardwalks lead down to the beach, and dogs are welcome on leads under the Trust's Canine Code. Reviewers single out the views from the dune tops and how empty the beach feels even when the small pay and display car park is nearly full, since most people are dog walkers who soon vanish into the distance. The tide comes in fast across the estuary sands, so check the times before wandering out. Members park free.
