Walk - Leaplish Waterside Park to Mirage

Start at the play area, follow the signs through Leaplish Waterside Park and head up the valley. After crossing a small bridge, the Lakeside Way weaves along the shore through open moorland and forest until it joins a section of the old valley road as it re-emerges out of the peaty waters of the lake. Turn left and follow the old valley road and the Lakeside Way signs, past the entrance to Hawkhirst Scout Activity Centre and onto Matthew’s Linn car park (toilet facilities available). From there the path descends underneath the C200 road bridge and meanders around the scenic and tranquil Lewisburn inlet, taking in the unique curved suspension bridge. From the bridge, the path climbs to give fine views over the inlet from Patterson’s Pause (a natural stone table with chairs) where herons, buzzards and a variety of woodland birds are a common sight. Continue around the inlet, back underneath the road bridge and onto the Mirage artwork which features hundreds of stainless steel discs suspended in the trees. To return, either retrace steps or take the ferry from the Mirage jetty to Leaplish Waterside Park. It is also possible
to travel this route in reverse, by taking the ferry from Leaplish Waterside Park to the Mirage jetty and returning on the Lakeside Way.