Wakefield delivers again. You’d be hard pressed to find a prettier nature reserve. Stunning lakes, gorgeous wildflowers and pretty woodland.
![Walton-colliery](https://muddybootsmummy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200606_144026-300x225.jpg)
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.
![Walton-park](https://muddybootsmummy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200606_142918-300x225.jpg)
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.
![Walton-Nature-park](https://muddybootsmummy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200606_150627-225x300.jpg)
It’s a truly picturesque path, with glimpses of another lake to your left!
![Walton-Nature-park](https://muddybootsmummy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200606_152022-225x300.jpg)
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.
![Walton-colliery](https://muddybootsmummy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200606_142516-300x225.jpg)
![Walton-colliery](https://muddybootsmummy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200606_144101-300x225.jpg)
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.
![Walton-colliery](https://muddybootsmummy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200606_152011-300x225.jpg)
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)