Wakefield delivers again. You’d be hard pressed to find a prettier nature reserve. Stunning lakes, gorgeous wildflowers and pretty woodland.
Location: Walton, Wakefield. Webpage here.
Parking: Car park off Shay lane gives access to the main paths. Parking (limited) also available on Oakenshaw Lane.
Facilities: No toilet facilities. Amenities available in Walton (including the lovely New Inn) and in Crofton.
Accessibility: Many paths are buggy friendly, wide and fairly flat. The red path is perfect for a buggy walk. Taking the blue/yellow path does mean some steps next to the carpark but they’re fairly deep and if there’s a couple of you to help carry a buggy, it’s doable.
Routes: A number of routes are available (1km to 3km), we took the red route around the perimeter of the Park.
Walking around Walton Nature Park
We decided to walk in a clockwise direction. Our four year old daughter was on her bike. Recently off stabilisers, these paths were perfect for her to practice her skills. The path starts on a wide track alongside the railway line, before passing the first of the lovely lakes.
It’s a truly picturesque path, with glimpses of another lake to your left!
The path continues past a stream, woodland and other lake views. It really is lovely. There are plenty of benches to rest on as you go along.
As well as the suggested routes (the coloured trails), there are a number of paths through trees and on grass that are definitely worth exploring.
On the red trail, we only saw picnic benches at the carpark itself. But there were lots of places you could have spread a rug and enjoyed a picnic. There were people about but it was lovely and quiet, with plenty of space for social distancing. A great place to explore!
Other walks that you may enjoy in the local area are;
- Heath Goosehill Circular (5km not suitable for buggies)
- Stanley Ferry (4.5km, buggy friendly)
- Anglers Country Park (buggy friendly)
- Haw Park Wood Circular (5.5km, not suitable for buggies)
