Eight summer walks to see nature in full swing

Stride out into the largest reedbed in north-west England and brace yourself for a wetland extravaganza. In summer, Leighton Moss’s reedbeds reverberate with life. So, as you stroll through this unique habitat, stay quiet and stay sharp, you might just ogle an Otter, spy a secretive Bittern, or even peer at a proud Red Deer.

Further afield, the reserve’s Coastal trail provides eye-widening views of Morecambe Bay’s sprawling coastal marsh, mudflats and saltwater lagoons. At this time of year, thousands of wading birds, including the RSPB iconic Avocet, care for their young chicks here. It’s a summery, feathery feast for the eyes.

The Cliff Top trail provides a front row seat to this sensational spectacle and includes five awe-inspiring viewpoints. However, there’s more to this reserve than meets a bird’s eye. If you’re feeling overstimulated, Bempton Cliff’s 0.5-mile Nature trail is the perfect path to soothe your senses.

Walk through peaceful scrub and grassland habitats, where increasingly rare Corn Buntings, Skylarks and Linnets breed each spring and summer; all under the watchful gaze of hungry Barn Owls and Kestrels. This reserve offers tramper hire too, so everyone can enjoy all that Bempton Cliffs has to offer.

Those seeking a little more adventure might prefer to follow the 1.7-mile Two Lochs trail. This path meanders through the Ancient Caledonian Pine Forest and opens out to deliver incredible panoramic views of Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie.

Here, there’s a chance to see Ospreys and Goshawks wheel by overhead, Common Lizards zip through the undergrowth and dragonflies dart through the warm air. Take it all in before heading back through an ancient forest brimming with birdlife. Finally, cool off with a drink and see the wildlife up close on the visitor centre cameras.

Loch Leven’s trails take in a variety of habitats, too, so whichever you choose, there’s plenty to see this summer. For families seeking a cute encounter, the Leafy Loop and Woodland trails offer an excellent opportunity to spot a bounding Red Squirrel and listen to a fairytale chorus of singing woodland birds.

Meanwhile the Wetland trail offers fantastic views of the loch, where Lapwings, Curlews, ducks and a host of other species are working hard to raise their adorable chicks. There’s also the chance to catch sight of supreme predators, as Marsh Harriers and Ospreys take flight and take advantage of summer’s bounty.

The reserve also offers three beautiful, accessible winding walks, each leading into a magical natural escape. Just a short stroll from the café will see summer visitors wandering through whispering reedbeds, where Reed Warblers revel either side of the boardwalk.

Beyond the reeds, there’s a chance to cool off in one of the reserve’s many hides and absorb stunning views of saltmarsh, mudflats and freshwater lagoons. At this time of year, these precious habitats are ablaze with life, from darting dragonflies to broods of young wading birds like Great Crested Grebes and Oystercatchers.

Follow the Sculpture trail and see if you can spot a living sculpture – the elusive Bittern, perfectly camouflaged amongst the waving reedbeds. With your quest complete, walk on to the site’s blooming wildflower meadows. In summer, they’re abuzz with pollinating insects, including the UK’s rarest bee, the Shrill Carder Bee.

Next, a ramble to the reserve’s shimmering lagoons and wet grassland could result in an encounter with one of the UK’s six native reptiles, the Grass Snake. These harmless, olive-green reptiles love to soak up the sun on the reserve’s path. So, watch your step as you head back for a cool drink at the café and enjoy panoramic views over the open water. 

Take a four-hour round walk to the West Light Seabird Centre to witness the largest seabird colony in Northern Ireland. The sights, sounds and smells of this enormous colony of Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Fulmars make this a must-see summer spectacle.

June and July are also the perfect time to see Rathlin’s west-coast Puffins running the gauntlet as they try to avoid losing hard-caught beaks of sandeels to scavenging gulls. Finally, follow an off-road trail to the east, and you might be treated with the sight of Rathlin’s unique Golden Irish Hares or a vanishingly rare Corncrake.

Step outside for a summer stroll in Portmore Lough, and you could spot an elusive Irish Hare ambling through the blooming wildflower fields and wavering wet grassland. Meanwhile, a short walk to the site’s wetland hide offers stunning views of the reedbed and lough.

These expansive wetland habitats are home to breeding Lapwings, Snipe, Redshanks and a raucous colony of Common Terns. Had your fill of the noise? A walk around the reserve’s wildflower garden provides respite in the company of butterflies, damselflies, Great Tits and Goldcrests. A wild wonderland for children and adults alike.