Snaizeholme Red Squirrel viewing area
Location: Snaizeholme, Widdale, Wensleydale
Grid reference: SD828863
The Snaizeholme red squirrel viewing area lies in the heart of the Widdale Red Squirrel Reserve. Although coniferous woodland is ideal habitat for red squirrels, they can be difficult 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. However, they don’t always arrive on cue, so be aware it’s not a guarantee that you’ll see any.
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. With luck you may also see roe deer, along with a variety of woodland birds, such as siskin, lesser redpoll and perhaps even a common crossbill.
Getting there
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. From the drop-off point, it is a 2.5 mile circular walk to the red squirrel viewpoint. The bus journey tasks approximately 15 minutes. Make sure you arrange a time with the driver to come back for you!
The landowner also has two bookable car parking spaces for visitors to use for a charge. These must be booked in advance through the Hawes National Park Visitor Centre.
The route includes sections of rough or uneven ground, steps and steep gradients. Please wear strong shoes or boots with good grip.
We’ve designed a downloadable map of the Red Squirrel trail that you can print off and take with you. You can also download the leaflet for the Red Squirrel trail.
