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All the old books of place names refer to Haverigg as being "hafr-rigg", literally the ridge of oats. However, more modern research seems to suggest that more of our place names than was first though have been subject to corruption from poor hadwriting in ancient documents. In view of its location and position, a more realistic derevation would be "haven-rigg", the ridge near the harbour.
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Just one mile from Millom, it is close to the R.S.P B nature reserve, and has attractive views out to the Irish Sea. Its a good place for families to visit with a children's playground and safe beaches.
Haverigg is ideal for walking, pony-trekking, water sports and sea-fishing. Dunes almost 70 ft high in places aweep round Haverigg Point where the sands are more than a mile wide at low tide. Seals can sometimes be seen basking on the sandbanks. There is a water ski school on the lagoon wich is surrounded by a mile and a quarter long outer barrier. On the remains of the original wall which collapsed in 1897 is a 7¼" guage miniature railway open to the public.
Haverigg's front and old fishing harbour have recently been renovated tastefully and it has a sandy beach crossed by the stream which descends from Whicham Valley. There is a broad expanse of shingle to the east. Bathing is safe close inshore when the tide is rising, but there are deep, steep-sided channels and fast currents about half a mile out.
During World War II, Haverigg and the surrounding area was a vital centre for training aircrew, and even today its memories are kept alive by a group of enthusiasts who founded the RAF Museum here in 1992. The museum has limited seasonal opening and is located in some of the original airfield buildings. Here through a collection of memorabilia and items rescued from various crash sites, visitors can learn some of the unique stories of the airmen who trained at Haverigg.
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