Mardale

Mardale is a valley located in the English Lake District, within the county of Cumbria. It lies at the eastern end of Haweswater Reservoir, a man-made lake created in the 1930s to supply water to Manchester. Before the reservoir was constructed, Mardale was a sparsely populated dale with a small community and a few scattered farms and dwellings. The most notable structure was Mardale Green, a hamlet that once stood in the valley.

The creation of Haweswater involved the flooding of Mardale Green and much of the valley floor. The village was largely demolished before the water levels rose, with residents relocated. The valley is now a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts who appreciate its dramatic scenery, particularly the towering fells that surround the reservoir, including Riggindale Crag and High Raise. The area is known for its wild beauty and provides opportunities for walking, birdwatching, and appreciating the changing moods of the Lake District landscape. In dry periods, the remains of Mardale Green can sometimes become visible beneath the water, a poignant reminder of the valley's past.