Nature Reserve Circular
Enjoy a loop of Threave Nature Reserve to admire views of Threave Castle, the River Dee, wetlands and woodland. Several wildlife hides are found along the way.
Walk details
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Difficulty
Easy
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Time
1 hour
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Distance
1¼ miles (2km)
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Ascent
68ft (21m)
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Start
Threave Nature Reserve car park
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Finish
Threave Nature Reserve car park
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Step 1
(1/7)Leave the car park and head towards the gate by the information centre, passing various information panels about Threave Nature Reserve.
Head through the gate onto a path along the edge of a field.
Where the path forks, head left on the path across the field to start the loop in a clockwise direction.
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Step 2
(2/7)As you reach the first section of boardwalk, take a break on one of the beautifully crafted wooden benches. How many wildlife species can you see? Will you spot any on your walk?
Follow the boardwalk until you reach the river and then turn right.
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Step 3
(3/7)Walk along the slightly raised section of path beside the river, keeping an eye out for seasonal flowers in the hedgerow.
During the summer, you may notice a rowing boat moored beside the bank halfway along. This takes visitors across to Threave Castle, which can be seen on the island in the middle of the river. You can ring the bell to summon the ferry to the jetty.
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Step 4
(4/7)Continue along the riverside path (pausing to look behind you for dramatic glimpses of the castle) and then bear right along another section of boardwalk.
Just after this, you’ll come to the osprey hide on your left. In spring and summer, volunteers are based at the hide with binoculars and telescopes trained on the osprey nest. Hopefully you’ll see the adults or even chicks around the platform.
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Step 5
(5/7)After the hide, the path passes through an area of birch woodland with Little Wood Hill on your right.
It then gently climbs uphill into Meikle Wood until it reaches a junction signposted to Lamb Island hide.
A short detour down to this hide offers spectacular views across the wetlands. -
Step 6
(6/7)From the junction turn right again and head uphill for a short distance.
As you reach the top, more spectacular views open out across the wetlands towards the River Dee and Threave Castle again. The bench here is a wonderful spot to pause for a while.
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Step 7
(7/7)Continue along the path that gently heads down into a field, bearing a little right.
Carry on along this path until you come to the junction where you began the loop, beside the information panel.
Retrace your steps back to the information centre and car park.
