View of Bassenthwaite from Dubwath copyright Charlie Hedley

Miles Without Stiles 27: Dubwath Silver Meadows

Miles Without Stiles

This route is part of the Heritage Lottery Funded Bassenthwaite Reflections programme and is partly made up of recycled plastic boardwalk OS Explorer Map OL4

Route for all. A circular walk. 2.5km distance.

Route

Bassenthwaite Reflections has established the Lake District's first wetlands nature reserve at Dubwath Silver Meadows. The 7.15 hectare site at the northern end of Bassenthwaite Lake is a wildlife haven for nature lovers and bird watchers and an excellent example of 'fen' habitat.

Environmentally friendly and durable boardwalks - made from recycled plastic bottles - provide access for wheelchair and pushchair users and those with limited mobility.

Local stone paths are 900 metres long and link to 1500 metres of plastic boardwalk, providing access for all. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the wetland, with opportunities to stop at viewing points and innovative hides.

Built by volunteers using traditional methods, such as wattle and daub and willow weaving, the shelters are a special feature of the reserve. Growing willow structures have been constructed as viewing platforms for the unique flora and fauna, as well as providing a habitat themselves.

Details

Start point:

Minor road north of Pheasant Inn

Postcode: CA13 9YL
Grid reference: NY 198309
W3W: ///newlywed.struts.originals

Facilities:

Refreshments and accessible customer toilets at Bassenthwaite Lake Station Cafe and Pheasant Inn.

Getting there:

Bus: X5 stops just outside Dubwath village but to get to the reserve you then have to cross the busy A66 (with no dropped kerb available) - there is a bus stop near the entrance to the reserve. Car: A66 and follow signs for the Pheasant Inn. The route starts 200 metres north of the inn. Informal parking is available by the road side.