Skylarks Nature Reserve

What it’s like

A flat two-mile trail round lakes and reed beds where kids can spot kingfishers and grebes from proper viewing hides.

The whole point of Skylarks is the walk itself: a two-mile footpath that loops past lakes, woodland, ponds, reed beds and meadows, with boardwalks and viewing screens dotted along the way. It's flat throughout, which means it's genuinely easy going with a buggy or a wheelchair, not just technically possible.

The bird spotting is the bit that'll actually hold a kid's attention. The site lists great crested grebe, kingfisher and reed bunting as regulars, and the viewing hides give you somewhere to stop, sit still and actually see something rather than just walking past. Bring binoculars if you've got them, though even without, the boardwalks over the water give a good vantage point.

It's free to get in, which makes it an easy one to fit into a weekend without weighing up whether it's worth the money. There's a small car park on the south side of Adbolton Lane and a layby opposite if that's full. A café, picnic area and toilets are all on site, so you can make a proper morning of it without having to plan round nipping off elsewhere. Dogs are welcome as long as they're on a lead.

Facilities

Need to know

Parking

Small car park at main entrance on south side of Adbolton Lane

Pushchairs

Accessible for pushchairs

Wheelchairs

Wheelchair accessible, with accessible trails and viewing hides

Dogs

On a lead

• The trail is a two-mile loop, so it's more of a proper walk than a quick lap round a pond
• Viewing hides are worth building the walk around if birdwatching is the main draw
• Toilets are on site so you're not caught out halfway round

Plan your visit

Featured in 2 Huddlepin lists

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