Walk - Bakethin North Shore (Circular)

Start at Bakethin car park, turn left along the river, then turn right and cross Butteryhaugh Bridge (look out for otters). Walk up the Lakeside Way and turn left into the Scots Pine/Norway Spruce plantation. On leaving the woods, turn right onto an old logging track through a clear fell site. Roe deer and buzzards are frequently seen along this path and in the spring thousands of froglets can be seen in the ditches after leaving their breeding ponds. There are superb views
of Bakethin reservoir. At the end of the forest track, follow markers to the old railway line and walk along the viaduct. Bakethin reservoir is a designated nature reserve and has a number of diverse habitats, which makes it a great place to see local wildlife. The track to the right after crossing the viaduct leads back to the car park. Alternatively continue the walk and follow signs to Bakethin bird hide, a great place to see a wide variety of bird species including a number of wading birds, herons, cormorants and ducks. Otters can be spotted particularly at dawn and dusk. The wildlife pond, located on the track to Bakethin Hide, holds a multitude of species including palmate newts, damselflies, dragonflies, toads and frogs.