Red Squirrels

Red Squirrels

The Snaizeholme red squirrel viewing area lies in the heart of the Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve. Although coniferous woodland is an ideal habitat for red squirrels, they can be tricky to see in such densely planted woodlands. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and local landowners have created the red squirrel viewing area for the public at Snaizeholme, so you can see them in the wild.

The viewpoint and surrounding woodland offer an excellent chance of getting superb views of red squirrels as they visit a feeder in a woodland clearing.

Snaizeholme lies just outside the market town of Hawes.

The Little White Bus operates a book in advance service throughout the year from the Dales Countryside Museum to the start of the Red Squirrel trail. The bus ride takes about ten minutes. Your friendly Little White Bus driver will drop you off at the top of the track, which leads to the start of the trail.

It is a 2.5-mile circular walk to the red squirrel viewpoint. Allow 40 minutes to walk to the viewing area from Mirk Pot. Allow a minimum of 45 minutes to return to the start point from the viewing area.

The route includes an initial steep descent down a series of steps, followed by an uneven footpath on the edge of the woodland. It passes over ground which can become very muddy. The return route includes a steep climb up a track to the single-track road. Wearing appropriate footwear is essential

Trips leave from the Dales Countryside Museum at 11.10am (12.10pm on Sunday) and return from Snaizeholme at 1.30pm (2.30pm on Sunday)

In bad weather the bus may not be able to get up the single-track road. Your driver will drop you as close as they can, but the walk may be a little longer.