For a fun day out bird watching try a ride to one of these RSPB nature reserves
A bird of prey spotted on National Route 5 near Pelsall
- We have picked our favourite rides on the National Cycle Network that take you to some of the best RSPB reserves in the country. Birds are easy to see all year round so whatever the season you are likely to spot something.
Many reserves also run events for birdwatchers, so whether youre a novice or an expert, you’ll be sure to have fun.
1. Lochwinnoch Loop Line
Lochwinnoch, West Scotland
Lochwinnoch is one of the last remaining wetlands left in west Scotland and the Lochwinnoch Loop Line takes you right to it. This wonderful place is perfect for families and there are two feeding stations on the reserve. Look out for whooper swans, wigeons and a wide variety of ducks during the winter months. In spring, you won’t want to miss the elaborate displays of the great crested grebes.
2. The Exe Valley Cycle Ride
Exe Estuary RSPB reserve, Exeter
The Exe Valley Cycle Ride ride takes you on the western bank of the River Exe where you will find the Exe Estuary nature reserve. The reserve is made up of two marshes on opposite sides of the Exe river. One side of the estuary is Exminster Marshes and the other side is Bowling Green Marsh. In spring there are lapwings and redshanks to look out for and in winter there are thousands of waterbirds.
3. Cycle to the Wash
Snettisham RSPB reserve, Hunstanton, Norfolk
The Cycle to the Wash route takes you from Kings Lynn out to the Snettisham Reserve where you just might be lucky enough to see tens of thousands of wading birds head to their feeding grounds as high tide water covers the mudflats of The Wash. At sunrise or sunset in winter there is the possibility of seeing thousands of pinkfooted geese flying from their overnight roosts inland to feed.
4. Rainham Marshes route
Rainham Marshes, London
The Rainham Marshes route is flat and traffic-free, taking you around the marshes. Before 2000 Rainham Marshes was used as a military firing range, but since then the area has been transformed by the RSPB as a great place for nature and for people to visit. Now birds of prey and rare birds are regularly seen.
Rides to RSPB nature reserves | Sustrans
For a fun day out bird watching try a ride to one of these RSPB nature reserves A bird of prey spotted on National Route 5 near Pelsall We have picked our favourite rides on the National Cycle Network that take you to some of the best RSPB reserves in the country. Birds are easy… [Read More]
