Amazing, remote haven for wildlife. Did the full loop (Stagsike, Woodland and Forest Head Quarry trails). Other trails are Bruthwaite Viewpoint trail and Gairs Viewpoint trail. Various other walks too. On the Stagsike trail, there is a visitors centre. It’s a really lovely place. Includes seabrooks crisps, cereal bars, tea, coffee and cold cans. Also includes seating, inside and outside. And an art gallery and a bird sound recording. Not much benches all around reserve, but a few. Has a bird hide at Tindale Tarn. Dogs must be on leads, due to adders. Wouldn’t recommend for a dog walk even though they are allowed. Wildlife includes: Hen harriers, peregrines, ospreys (a platform is up right now: no birds nesting, I think there is only 1 individual this summer), Merlins, buzzards, kestrels, barn, tawny and short-eared owls, Canada geese, Greylag geese, Mallards, wigeons, teals, goldeneyes (+more wildfowl), lapwings, redshanks, curlews (+more waders), black grouse, red grouse, pheasant, occasionally but rarely Quail and Ring Ouzel, lesser redpoll, goldfinch, willow warbler, skylark, meadow pipit, wren, cuckoo and more.

Wonderful land management, allowing a good mixed off habitats and wildlife on the uplands and grasslands. Highlights barn owl and lapwing chicks.

We absolutely love walking here and absorbing ourselves in nature. Such a good variety of habitats. Woodland, streams, wetland, scrub, meadows, and mountains (fells). It was good to see the becks flowing with water again. On our most recent visit, we were very excited to spot the Barn Owl and hear the Cuckoo. The meadow pipits and redstart were a treat. We also saw our first ever Black Grouse, and I was fascinated by the Chimney Sweeper Moth. We got to see the sunset as once again we were so distracted by wildlife it was 22:00 when we left the car park! Limited car parking is available at the Hallbankgate approach. The centre, which has limited opening hours, has an accessible outside toilet and disabled parking bays.

Peaceful nature reserve with woods, wetlands and hills with splendid views. The visitor centre has a help yourself hot drinks station with an honesty box for donations. Sit on the picnic seats with a cuppa and listen to curlew!

I love this place. Great for birdwatchers or just a lovely walk. Fabulous visitor centre where you can even help yourself to a cup of tea or coffee! Lots of interesting information about the reserve too.