Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail
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Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail

4.7
·51 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Best chance for squirrel activity

CrowdLow
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Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail

Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Best chance for squirrel activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(51 reviews)

"What a brilliant day out. The squirrels themselves were quite tame and came right up to us."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Red Squirrel Sanctuary

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

Norwegian Spruce Forest Trail

Snaizeholme Valley

Enjoy a peaceful walk through fragrant forests, breathing in the scent of Norwegian spruce.

The Little White Bus

The Little White Bus

Hawes to Snaizeholme

A pleasant and helpful transport option for reaching the trail, especially if you don't book parking.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Parking Spot

Parking is extremely limited (only two spaces) and must be booked in advance via the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes. Bookings are for morning or afternoon slots only. Arrive on time to maximize your visit.

Trail Navigation & Etiquette

Signage can be sparse, so be prepared for a bit of exploration. If a gate appears to lead onto private land, keep going; another marker should follow. Respect the sanctuary's 'leave no trace' policy and the privacy of surrounding landowners.

Best Times

When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Best chance for squirrel activity
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Book Parking in Advance

Only 2 spots available! Book via Dales Countryside Museum. Slots are morning/afternoon only. Reddit

🥾 Trail Can Be Tricky

Signage is minimal. If a gate looks private, keep going! Another marker should appear. Reddit

🤫 Be Quiet & Patient

Squirrels are shy. Stay still and quiet for the best chance of sightings. They might even approach you! Reddit

🚫 No Facilities Here

Pack snacks and water. Respect the 'leave no trace' policy and private land. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Book Parking in Advance

Only 2 spots available! Book via Dales Countryside Museum. Slots are morning/afternoon only. Reddit

🥾 Trail Can Be Tricky

Signage is minimal. If a gate looks private, keep going! Another marker should appear. Reddit

🤫 Be Quiet & Patient

Squirrels are shy. Stay still and quiet for the best chance of sightings. They might even approach you! Reddit

🚫 No Facilities Here

Pack snacks and water. Respect the 'leave no trace' policy and private land. Reddit

📸 Camera Ready!

You don't need a huge telephoto lens; squirrels often come close. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(51 reviews)

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

Magical squirrel encounters
Peaceful forest walks
Tame, curious squirrels

What People Dislike

Limited, pre-booked parking
Sparse trail signage
No facilities on site

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

The cost for booking one of the two parking spaces at the sanctuary is £5. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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'. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon/early evening are recommended for both squirrel activity and softer, more appealing light for photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Snaizeholme Red Squirrel Trail can be a wonderful adventure for families, offering a chance to see red squirrels up close. The excitement of spotting these quick creatures can captivate children. However, parents should be aware that the trails are not always clearly signposted, which might require extra vigilance with younger children. The walk from the parking area is about 15 minutes and moderately sloped, so consider this for very young children or those with mobility issues. It's also essential to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities at the sanctuary. Emphasize the importance of staying quiet and still to maximize squirrel sightings and teach children about respecting wildlife. Reddit

📸 Wildlife Photographers

For photographers, Snaizeholme offers a unique opportunity to capture red squirrels in their natural habitat. The key advantage here is the squirrels' curiosity and proximity, often allowing for excellent shots without the need for specialized long-lens equipment. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best natural light and are often when the squirrels are most active. Be prepared for the forest environment; the scent of Norwegian spruce adds to the atmosphere. Remember to be patient and quiet to get the best interactions and shots. The limited parking and booking system mean it's generally less crowded, which is a bonus for photographers seeking undisturbed moments. Reddit

🚶 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

Nature lovers will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the fragrant Norwegian spruce forest of Snaizeholme. The trail offers a refreshing walk away from more commercialized attractions. While the signage can be a challenge, it adds to the sense of discovery for those who enjoy a bit of off-the-beaten-path exploration. The chance to see red squirrels is a significant draw, providing a rewarding wildlife encounter. Remember to pack essentials as there are no facilities, and embrace the 'leave no trace' ethos to preserve this natural gem. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Red Squirrel Experience

Snaizeholme is renowned for its population of red squirrels, a species that has faced decline in many parts of the UK due to competition from grey squirrels. The sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural environment. Visitors often describe the experience as magical, with squirrels being curious enough to approach quite closely, sometimes right up to the viewing area. This proximity means you don't need professional-grade telephoto lenses to capture stunning photographs. The key to a successful encounter is patience and quiet observation; the squirrels are more likely to appear and interact when visitors are still and silent. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating the Snaizeholme Trails

The journey to the red squirrel viewing area involves a walk through the Snaizeholme Valley, characterized by its fragrant Norwegian spruce forests. While the walk is described as moderately sloped and can be a bit challenging, the natural beauty and the scent of the trees make it a pleasant experience for many. However, trail signage can be sparse, which has led some visitors to feel a bit lost on occasion. A helpful tip from fellow travelers is that if a gate appears to lead onto private land, you should continue through it, as another marker is likely to follow. This requires a degree of adventurous spirit and trust in the trail's progression. Reddit

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. Reddit

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