
Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail
A hidden gem sanctuary in a fragrant Norwegian spruce forest, offering close encounters with curious red squirrels.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for squirrel activity

Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail
Best Time
Best chance for squirrel activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem sanctuary in a fragrant Norwegian spruce forest, offering close encounters with curious red squirrels.
"What a brilliant day out. The squirrels themselves were quite tame and came right up to us."

🚗 Book Parking in Advance
Only 2 spots available! Book via Dales Countryside Museum. Slots are morning/afternoon only.
🥾 Trail Can Be Tricky
Signage is minimal. If a gate looks private, keep going! Another marker should appear.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Red Squirrel Sanctuary
Snaizeholme Valley
Witness shy red squirrels up close in their natural habitat. They're curious and may approach visitors.

Norwegian Spruce Forest Trail
Snaizeholme Valley
Enjoy a peaceful walk through fragrant forests, breathing in the scent of Norwegian spruce.

The Little White Bus
Hawes to Snaizeholme
A pleasant and helpful transport option for reaching the trail, especially if you don't book parking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Parking Spot
Trail Navigation & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Book Parking in Advance
Only 2 spots available! Book via Dales Countryside Museum. Slots are morning/afternoon only.
🥾 Trail Can Be Tricky
Signage is minimal. If a gate looks private, keep going! Another marker should appear.
🤫 Be Quiet & Patient
Squirrels are shy. Stay still and quiet for the best chance of sightings. They might even approach you!
🚫 No Facilities Here
Pack snacks and water. Respect the 'leave no trace' policy and private land.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Book Parking in Advance
Only 2 spots available! Book via Dales Countryside Museum. Slots are morning/afternoon only.
🥾 Trail Can Be Tricky
Signage is minimal. If a gate looks private, keep going! Another marker should appear.
🤫 Be Quiet & Patient
Squirrels are shy. Stay still and quiet for the best chance of sightings. They might even approach you!
🚫 No Facilities Here
Pack snacks and water. Respect the 'leave no trace' policy and private land.
📸 Camera Ready!
You don't need a huge telephoto lens; squirrels often come close.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical experience of seeing red squirrels up close in a peaceful forest setting. The unique opportunity to observe these shy creatures makes the journey worthwhile. However, be prepared for limited parking that requires advance booking and trails that can be sparsely signposted, demanding a bit of adventurous navigation.
"What a brilliant day out. The Little White Bus driver was very pleasant and helpful. The walk to the squirrels was quite hard going and could do with being better signposted. The squirrels themselves were quite tame and came right up to us. You don't need big telephoto lenses to capture a great photo"
paul younghusband
"The sanctuary is well hidden in the forest and a peaceful place. Curious squirrels will come to you to see if you brought them any food. Please don’t feed them. There is a feeding box for the squirrels and the content is well balanced to the diet of the squirrels.
No facilities available and surrounded by private land. Respect the privacy of the owners and leave no trace policy."
Pieter Offringa
"The Snaizsholme Red Squirrel Sanctuary is a true gem and a must-see for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. The opportunity to see these beautiful, elusive creatures up close is a rare treat. We were lucky enough to spot several red squirrels scurrying about, and it was a magical experience.
However, be prepared for a bit of a challenge. While the trails offer stunning views and a peaceful walk through the woods, they are not always easy to follow. We found ourselves a little lost on a couple of occasions due to a lack of clear signage at certain junctions. It would be very helpful if the sanctuary added more frequent and visible trail markers.
When it appears you’re walking through someone’s property, keep walking through the gate there will be another marker."
Stuart
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is accessed via Snaizeholme Valley. Limited parking is available at the sanctuary itself (2 spaces) and must be booked in advance through the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes. Alternatively, you can park in a lay-by on the main road about a mile away and walk uphill to the sanctuary. The Little White Bus is also a recommended transport option from Hawes, with drivers noted as pleasant and helpful.
Yes, 'The Little White Bus' service operates in the area and is a convenient way to reach Snaizeholme from Hawes. Drivers are reported to be helpful, making the journey more enjoyable.
Parking is extremely limited with only two spaces directly at the sanctuary. These must be booked in advance through the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes and are allocated for either morning or afternoon slots.
Some visitors have parked in lay-bys on the main road approximately a mile from the sanctuary and walked the rest of the way, though this involves an uphill climb.
From the dedicated parking area at the sanctuary, it's about a 15-minute walk along a moderately sloped path to the main viewing spot for the red squirrels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets for the trail itself. However, parking spaces at the sanctuary must be booked in advance and incur a fee.
The cost for booking one of the two parking spaces at the sanctuary is £5.
The sanctuary doesn't have strict opening hours in the traditional sense, but parking is booked in morning or afternoon slots. Visiting during early morning or late afternoon/early evening is recommended for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
No, there is no admission fee to walk the Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail. The primary cost is for the limited parking if you choose to drive directly to the sanctuary.
Yes, you can visit without booking parking by parking further away on the main road and walking, or by using public transport like 'The Little White Bus'.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the chance to see red squirrels in their natural habitat. They are often curious and may approach visitors. The trail also offers a peaceful walk through a fragrant Norwegian spruce forest.
The signage can be sparse, and some visitors have reported getting a little lost. It's advised to keep going through gates that appear to lead onto private land, as another marker should follow.
Visitors are advised not to feed the squirrels directly. There is a feeding box provided for them, and the content is balanced for their diet.
There are no facilities available at the sanctuary itself. Visitors should come prepared with their own food and drinks and adhere to a 'leave no trace' policy.
The walk to the sanctuary is described as moderately sloped and can be a bit challenging for some. The trails within the forest are generally peaceful but can be tricky to navigate due to limited signage.
📸 📸 Photography
The red squirrels are often tame and curious, frequently coming close to visitors. You don't need a large telephoto lens; a standard lens can often capture great shots. Patience and quiet observation are key.
Yes, besides the squirrels, the fragrant Norwegian spruce forest itself offers beautiful natural scenery for photography. The peaceful atmosphere of the sanctuary is also a photographic subject.
Given the squirrels' proximity, you can likely use a faster shutter speed to freeze their movement. Consider a wider aperture for a blurred background to make the squirrels stand out. Natural light is best, so early morning or late afternoon can be ideal.
There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones, but it's always advisable to be mindful of wildlife and other visitors. Respect the peaceful nature of the sanctuary.
Early morning or late afternoon/early evening are recommended for both squirrel activity and softer, more appealing light for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Wildlife Photographers
🚶 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Red Squirrel Experience
It's crucial to remember that while the squirrels are accustomed to human presence, they are still wild animals. Visitors are asked not to feed them directly, as there is a designated feeding box with balanced nutrition provided. Respecting their space and natural behavior is paramount to preserving this sanctuary. The scent of Norwegian spruce fills the air, adding to the immersive natural experience as you wait for these elusive rodents to make an appearance.
Navigating the Snaizeholme Trails
It's important to be mindful of the surrounding private land and to adhere to a strict 'leave no trace' policy. This means taking all your litter with you and respecting the environment. The lack of facilities at the sanctuary underscores the need for visitors to be self-sufficient, bringing their own food and water. The overall experience is less about a manicured tourist attraction and more about a genuine, slightly wild encounter with nature.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit