About Gait Barrows
Lying at the heart of the National Landscape, Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve is one of Britain’s most important limestone landscapes made up of a diverse mosaic of limestone and peatland habitats. The NNR contains an intricate mosaic of limestone habitats that are home to a rich variety of exciting and often rare wildlife. From open rock pavements to damp fen; from deep yew forest to the tranquillity of Hawes Water, there is much to see on a visit to Gait Barrows.
Gait Barrows was dedicated as a National Nature Reserve in 1977 with the addition of Thrang Wood in 1999, Hawes Water in 2002 and Hawes Water Moss in 2005. The reserve is now 122ha in total.
Wherever possible, it is Natural England’s ambition to restore the natural processes supporting the habitats, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem where habitats blend naturally into one another, providing niches and structure for a broad range of species. This ancient landscape is home to many rare species of plant and animal, many of which can be found nowhere else in England. These include the tiny narrow-mouthed whorl snail and the very rare moss Scorpidium turgiscens.
There are a number of public footpaths and three way-marked nature trails on site. Watch out for:
- The impressive limestone pavements Hawes Water and its surrounding wetlands.
- Conservation grazed meadows using native breed cattle and ponies
- The recently restored Summerhouse and Cow Barn
If you visit you might see:
Plants:
- Angular Solomon’s seal
- Dark red helleborine
- Black bog-rush
- Bird’s-eye primrose
- Common spotted orchid
- Adder’s tongue fern
- Ancient ash and yew trees
Invertebrates:
- Duke of Burgundy butterfly
- High brown fritillary butterfly
- Red wood ant
- Various dragonfly and damselfly
800 species of moth have also been recorded including the rare silky wainscot and red-necked footman.
Birds:
- Green woodpecker
- Woodcock
- Reed warbler
- Blackcap
- Bittern Marsh harrier
- Water rail
- Reed bunting
- Haw finch
- Teal
Planning A Visit
Location: Between Silverdale and The Yealands
Grid Ref: SD 483 777
Postcode: near LA5 0JF (Challan Hall)
what3words: split.incoming.alike (car park)
Wheelchair accessibility: The Public Right of Way from Challan Hall and Moss Lane to Hawes Water is accessible for wheelchair users – although the hoggin path can develop channels following bad weather and some gates can be tricky. There is a layby near the entrance to this route near Challan Hall. Other Public Rights of Way are accessible by all-terrain mobility scooters. There is an additional car park accessed by a Radar key on Moss Lane.
Terrain & Incline: Variable. Some sections have rocky surfaces and mild to moderate inclines, but there are many well maintained and level hoggin paths. There are also paths through meadows where the ground surface is generally even with some boardwalks.
Usual Visit Length: 1/2 day
Benches: There are some benches near Hawes Water and on the main Public Right of Way.
Dogs: Dogs are permitted only on the Public Right of Way, and must be kept under close control. Dogs are not permitted on any other parts of the reserve to prevent disturbance to wildlife.
Cattle and ponies graze parts of the site during autumn and winter. Signs will alert visitors to the fact that they are entering a grazing compartment.
Bikes: There is one short bridleway from Challan Hall to Challan Hall Allotments (avoiding a section of Brackenthwaite Rd). Bike are not permitted on the rest of the reserve.
Horses: There is one short bridleway/permissive bridleway from Challan Hall to Challan Hall Allotments (avoiding a section of Brackenthwaite Rd). Horse riding not permitted on the rest of the reserve.
Swimming / Fishing / Boating: Swimming, fishing and boating on Hawes Water are not permitted to protect wildlife.
Picnicking: Picnics are welcome, but no fires or barbeques please. Remember to take rubbish away with you.
Nearest Toilets: Public Toilets at Silverdale (5 min drive / 50 min walk from nearest part of the reserve)
Public Toilets at Arnside Promenade (10 min drive / 50 min walk from nearest part of the reserve, nominal charge)
Toilets at Leighton Moss & in pubs and cafes in Arnside & Silverdale (customer use onely)
Nearest Cafe: RSPB Leighton Moss Cafe, and in Arnside and Silverdale villages.
Please note: Mobile phone coverage is poor in this area!
Public Transport
Trains: Arnside Railway Station (50 min walk), Silverdale Railway Station (20 min walk)
Buses: There are bus services between Arnside and Kendal (552 service) and between Silverdale and Carnforth (51 service)
Parking: There is a small car park at the reserve. Natural England request that visitors consider making a contribution towards reserve management by using the RingGo app (details available in the car park). There are also laybys on the road near Challan Hall and a disabled access car park on Moss Lane (radar key required).
Please note a permit is no longer required to visit Gait Barrows.
Before you visit
Make sure you’re familiar with the updated Countryside Code, so that you can stay safe and help us look after this beautiful landscape.
Who owns the reserve?
Gait Barrows is a National Nature Reserve, and is managed by Natural England.
Website: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk
Working with the National Landscape Team
Natural England manage this area in accordance with the Gait Barrows NNR Management Plan and in line with the recommendations of the National Landscape Management Plan. The National Landscape team support local landowners and land managers in the implementation of the National Landscape Management Plan, which is designed to conserve the unique landscape of the area.