Things to do in Haweswater Reservoir

The Forces on Measand Beck is a picturesque waterfall located on the western shore of Haweswater Reservoir in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England. This cascade represents one of the more secluded and less-visited waterfalls in the eastern Lake District, tucked away in a wooded valley where Measand Beck descends toward the reservoir. The waterfall consists of a series of drops and cascades rather than a single dramatic plunge, with the water tumbling over rocks and through narrow channels carved into the local bedrock. The total height of the falls encompasses multiple tiers, creating an attractive display particularly after periods of sustained rainfall when the beck carries a substantial volume of water. The geology of the area is characteristic of the Lake District, with ancient volcanic rocks and slate formations shaped by millennia of glacial and fluvial erosion. Measand Beck gathers its waters from the fells west of Haweswater, draining a relatively small catchment area in the high ground above the reservoir. The stream flows eastward through rough pasture and woodland before reaching The Forces, where it makes its steepest descent. Below the waterfall, the beck continues its short journey to join Haweswater Reservoir, which was created in the 1930s when the valley was dammed and flooded, raising the water level significantly and drowning the village of Mardale Green. The beck's flow is entirely dependent on rainfall and snowmelt from its upland catchment, meaning the waterfall can vary dramatically in character from a modest trickle during dry summer months to a powerful torrent during winter and spring. The surrounding landscape is quintessentially Lake District in character, with the western shore of Haweswater being considerably quieter and more remote than many other parts of the national park. The area around The Forces features mixed woodland, including oak, birch, and rowan, which provides habitat for a variety of bird species. The wider Haweswater area is notable for being one of the last strongholds of the golden eagle in England, though these magnificent birds are now extremely rare visitors rather than resident breeders. Red deer roam the hills above, and the reservoir itself attracts various waterfowl. The wooded valley where The Forces is situated creates a microclimate that supports ferns, mosses, and lichens, which thrive in the damp, shaded conditions near the waterfall. Access to The Forces requires a moderate walk from limited parking areas along the road that runs along the western side of Haweswater Reservoir. The waterfall is not immediately adjacent to the main path, and visitors typically need to follow Measand Beck upstream from where it meets the reservoir or approach from paths higher on the fellside. The terrain can be rough and potentially slippery, particularly near the waterfall itself, so appropriate footwear is essential. Unlike some of the Lake District's more famous waterfalls such as Aira Force or Scale Force, The Forces sees relatively few visitors, partly due to its location on the quieter side of Haweswater and partly because it requires a degree of effort to reach. This relative obscurity is part of its charm for those who seek out less-trampled locations. The creation of Haweswater Reservoir in the 1930s was a controversial project that fundamentally altered the landscape of this valley. The Manchester Corporation Waterworks Act of 1919 authorized the construction of the dam, and work proceeded through the late 1920s and early 1930s. The flooding of Mardale Green and the raising of the water level by nearly a hundred feet transformed the valley, though The Forces, being located on a tributary stream above the high-water mark, remained largely unaffected by the inundation. The reservoir now supplies water to Manchester and surrounding areas, and the road around its western shore provides access to what was once a more isolated valley. During periods of extreme drought, the remains of the drowned village occasionally emerge from the receding waters, drawing visitors curious about the valley's lost past. For those planning to visit The Forces, the nearest facilities are limited, reflecting the remote nature of this part of the Lake District. The village of Bampton or the hamlet of Bampton Grange to the north provide the closest services, while the small community at the southern end of Haweswater near the dam offers very basic amenities. Haweswater Hotel, a historic establishment, once served the valley before the reservoir's creation but no longer exists in its original form. Visitors should come prepared with appropriate clothing, food, and water, as the western shore of Haweswater remains a genuinely remote location despite the presence of a narrow road. The area is managed by United Utilities, which owns the reservoir and surrounding land, in partnership with the RSPB, which has worked to enhance the area's conservation value. The Forces, while not among the most celebrated waterfalls in the Lake District, offers a rewarding destination for those willing to explore beyond the well-trodden tourist routes. Its relative anonymity means that visitors can often enjoy the falls in solitude, experiencing the natural beauty and tranquility that have become increasingly rare in more accessible parts of the national park. The combination of the waterfall itself, the woodland setting, and the broader landscape of Haweswater creates an atmosphere of wildness and remoteness that captures something essential about the Lake District's character beyond its famous honeypots.