Watchtree Nature Reserve

2.5 miles (4 km)

This super Nature Reserve near Carlisle has a series of cycling and walking trails to try.
The area consists of reedbeds, lagoons, woodland, wild flower meadows and an elemental garden. Look out for a variety of birdlife including Skylarks, Meadow Pipit and Stonechat in the meadows. Curlew, Snipe and Oystercatcher can be seen around the wetlands area. You can also see Roe Deer, Fox and Red Squirell in the woodland.
The reserve has an excellent visitor centre with information about the different interactive trails. Cycle hire is also available so you can explore the reserve by bike too.

Postcode

CA5 6NL - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

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Watchtree Nature Reserve Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Watchtree Nature Reserve Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Watchtree Nature Reserve OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Watchtree Nature Reserve Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Explore the Area with Google Street View

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the south east of Carlisle there's nice waterside trails along the River Petteril at Wreay Woods. The peaceful woods are great for flora and fauna with kingfishers, dippers and otters to see by the river.
Just a couple of miles to the north east of nearby Brampton there's Miltonrigg Woods to explore. There's more peaceful woodland trails here with pretty bluebells in the spring and lots wildlife to see. Lanercost Priory is also located in this area. The English heritage run site was originally founded in 1169 as an Augustinian monastery. Today the substantial priory ruins are well worth a visit for the fascinating history and architecure.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cumbria Walks page.