Lake District Walks | A Circuit of Haweswater - flooded Mardale, Withnail and I film location

On a gloriously sunny day in mid-November 2023, Neil visits the epic Haweswater Reservoir, to the west of the Lake District. There, he explores the beautiful autumnal scenery and dark past of a vanished community - uprooted by the flooding of their homes in 1935, and finds the location of an iconic scene from Withnail and I (Dir. Bruce Robinson, 1987).
The tree he refers to is not, as he guesses, a spruce, but a larch - one the few deciduous conifers.
Full route available here: explore.osmaps.com/route/2090...
United Utilities advise against using the lakeside footpath shown on OS Maps for the eastern return leg of the walk (assuming an anti-clockwise circuit), but following the road does allow for great views on the way back, and possibly a visit to the Haweswater Hotel - www.haweswaterhotel.com
There is limited parking at Burnbanks (please park carefully and leave a donation).
Ordnance Survey maps used with permission. OS Explorer maps: OL7 and OL5: English Lakes - getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co....
Old maps reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland - maps.nls.uk/index.html
Old photograph of the Dun Bull Inn in public domain.
Subscribe for more films of our walks and visit our website: www.onyvafilms.com to read more and to suggest other walks that you would like to see.
More films coming soon!
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#Haweswater

[@djmccarten]

This guy makes really good videos that capture the experience of the lake District

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thank you so much - it’s really appreciated. All the best.

[@frannypeony2076]

Would love to go on this walk. Rolling hills, trees & water. Stunning! Thinkin’ it’s about time to rewatch Withnail & I 💭 Thanks again Neil for a wonderful day out. 🐎😆

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thank you! It's been a while since I watched it, too (hence the slight mis-quote!).

[@grayfreeman]

I LOVED this! Such a beautifully made film. Love the scenery and info, but most of all I loved your enthusiasm. Brilliant.

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thank you!

[@dwaynestewart6095]

that was an awesome walk Dwayne

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thanks, Dwayne!

[@clairegreenlea7658]

Very interesting walk! I have not seen Withnail and I, but I am a big fan of Richard Griffiths from Pie in the Sky. Thanks for the video, loved it!

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thank you.

[@DAoutdoors]

Hi Neil. Wonderful video and a wonderful hike. My friend is looking to get in to hill walking so I’m thinking of starting him on something like this just to get his juices flowing before any steep climbs. Thanks you so much for sharing this, it’s given me an idea! 😀 All the best, Dave.

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thanks, Dave. Yes, it's probably a good place to start - slightly wilder and more exciting than a circuit of Derwentwater, say, but not too taxing (and there's a hotel towards the end, if you have time for tea or something stronger!). Hope he enjoys it!

[@northernwalks5426]

Nice to have you back Neil, dad jokes and all - why the long face indeed. As enjoyable and informative as usual, thank you for sharing.

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thank you! "Dad jokes," indeed!

[@jeffreyroden3691]

We appreciate all the effort you put into the making of these videos, Neil! The fade out with the horns at the end, the sound of the gates, the historical narrative, everything is of value. We look forward to your next adventure. Tonight we will be watching "Withnail and I" on the Criterion Channel. - Jeffrey and Shelley

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thank you, both. Much appreciated. All the best

[@carolfitton2007]

That was such a lovely walk 👍

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

It's a lovely, under-visited valley, but well worth a trip. All the best

[@strawberryfields1149]

A beautiful location filmed most interestingly. Thank you.

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Many thanks!

[@wanderingsofalanandcaz]

Excellent. 🙂

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thank you!

[@Happy_Hiker]

Another great video. Having been born and brought up in the area , we were taught the fascinating history of Mardale from a young age. It is a beautiful area in every season.

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Steve-gb5dl]

Another great video, from a fabulous area in the lakes. The main car park is the starting point for many great days walking.

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thank you! There are definitely some fantastic walks from that car park.

[@thenazarite2444]

Great stuff. Loved Withnail.

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Thank you! Been a while since I watched it properly, but will have to rewatch soon. All the best

[@Enl1thened1]

Larch trees, they always shed there needles in autumn

[@JohnJohnson-lu9we]

Hi, wrt trees, just remember if the needles are Single needles, then they are Spruce, and if the needles are double needles I.e. Plural, then they are Pines. Don't know about the rest. Great videos, apart from the 'iffy' jokes 😅 12:45

[@LakeDistrictFilms]

Many thanks - love a good mnemonic! Don't know what you mean about 'iffy' jokes, though!

[@timward3539]

Hi. I live one mile from the dam wall and have lived here since 2008. I think the path on the eastern side of the lake has been closed since I moved here. UU don't really like people as they are afraid we will contaminate the water, yes us, their consumers. And they have never sought to make the path "safe."