Are you looking for more information on Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve and if it would make a family walk in Hampshire? This isn’t far from us and is an interesting family walk around Swanwick Lakes, with plenty of wildlife, lakes and paths to follow.
A few weeks ago we took a trip to Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve, it’s only a 5-10 minute drive from our home but we never have been. About 2 miles from Junction 8 of the M27, and easy to find but don’t be alarmed if you look like you’re going to drive into the air traffic control centre! Take a right at the mini roundabout, and follow the road down the hill, where you will find the car park.
With free parking, this makes it a perfect place to head if you want a little walk around somewhere and not have to pay for parking for the larger sites.
We checked out the map of all the paths to follow, with colour-coded paths and times of how long it should take you. There are a few paths ways to take, some are pretty muddy in the Winter, but head to the lakes and it’s so pretty and very peaceful.
So we picked the blue path and followed it around, as it took you along the edge of NATS to start off, it didn’t look that great, with its wire fencing! However very quickly you head properly into Swanwick Lakes, now keep an eye out for the birds and nature. I spotted a Deer as we were walking along, but the kids weren’t quick enough to spot him…I wasn’t quick enough for a picture either.
You can take your dog along, but you’re meant to keep it under control to be respectful of the animals, however, it is a shame when some people don’t follow this and let their dog run all over the place, flushing out the birds and probably scaring the deer. Gus was kept on a lead, but he can still enjoy his walk with us and sniff about.
The paths take you up and around the lakes, which are beautiful. I am looking forward to heading back in the summer when it is full of life, and a bit more sunshine! It will be so peaceful to take a picnic and find a spot to stop at.
We were there for about an hour as we slowly walked around, and enjoying the peace. However, you can make these walks as short or long as you want.
Pictures Taken 2017
Tips For Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve
- Stick to the pathways
- Keep dogs under control
- Be respectful to the wildlife
- Parking included
- Can be muddy when it’s wet, but marked pathways are gravelled so less muddy
- The toilets are closed when the Education Centre is closed
14 Comments
This looks like such a lovely, peaceful place to visit! Love the doggy photo, such a handsome pup! x
This looks like a lovely walk. I’ve been thinking of places local to us to get out and explore this year 🙂
Oh this looks absolutely beautiful. Such a shame some dog owners can’t be respectful of their surroundings
I love days out like this – love getting back to nature and exploring our local area. Your dog is just gorgeous!
This is such a hidden gem. I went for a walk here once before we moved for Hampshire to Devon. Such a lovely spot and loads of wildlife to see! #countrykids
I’ve not visited before but what a great place to have so close to home. Definitely one to go back to in summer, the contrast between the seasons will be wonderful to see. Well done keeping Gus on a lead, it is a shame when others can’t follow the countryside code for places like this. Love your robin photo, they really are cheeky birds that pop up everywhere.
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
Gorgeous photos – it looks like such a tranquil place to visit. It looks very similar to a place near me and we go there often with our dog – she loves it!
This looks like a really nice place, I love going for walks near water.
Gus is gorgeous!
#CountryKids
I’ve never heard of this place. It looks lovely. The dog looks very happy x
This looks like a lovely place to visit, very peaceful looking. Shame that people don’t follow the rules and keep their dogs under control!
This is not that far from us! I must look into it as it looks a great place for a walk. It’s annoyingly when others don’t follow the rules it annoys me! Stopping by from #countrykids
Looks like a lovely place for a walk and I can imagine that it must be beautiful in the summer. Gus looks like he enjoyed his walk too 🙂 #countrykids
We like going here too – think we are relatively close! Great photos…
Popping by from #CountryKids!
Oh we must be! I only live 5-10mins away from here, so makes a great little walk