Top 6 Lakes around Netherwitton

Yes, both Kirkharle Serpentine Lake and Bolam Lake offer accessible pathways. Kirkharle Serpentine Lake features a 1 km fully accessible pathway with informative boards, while Bolam Lake Country Park has an accessible path around its lakeshore, approximately 1 mile long.

Several lakes are great for families. Bolam Lake Country Park is highly recommended, offering walking trails, wildlife spotting (including red squirrels), a visitor center, café, and picnic areas. Fontburn Reservoir and Tumbleton Lake (part of the Cragside Estate) are also noted as family-friendly options.

For fishing enthusiasts, Fontburn Reservoir is a popular spot. Additionally, Rothley Low Lake, part of Rothley Lakes, is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing permits are available there. Sweethope Loughs, consisting of the Great Lough and Little Lough, are also renowned for trout fly fishing.

Absolutely. Rothley Low Lake was designed and landscaped by the renowned 18th-century landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown around 1770, showcasing his classical "Serpentine Style." Kirkharle Serpentine Lake, located in Capability Brown's birthplace, was brought to fruition in 2010 based on his rediscovered plans, offering a unique experience of his early landscape designs.

The lakes around Netherwitton are rich in wildlife. At Bolam Lake Country Park, you can spot red squirrels, roe deer, nuthatches, and a variety of waterfowl. Kielder Water, though further afield, is home to red squirrels and ospreys, making it excellent for wildlife watching.

Yes, there are numerous walking and hiking routes. Bolam Lake Country Park offers scenic walking trails, including an accessible path. Sweethope Loughs provides easy hiking trails with waterside views. For more options, you can explore various routes in the region, such as the 'Shaftoe Crags – The Punch Bowl loop from Bolam Lake Country Park' or the 'Wannie Line Walk', which can be found in the Hiking around Netherwitton guide.

Bolam Lake Country Park provides a visitor center, a café offering hot and cold refreshments, toilets, and picnic areas. The café has seasonal opening times, typically from 10:00 to 16:00 (April-September) and 10:00 to 15:00 (October-March), with specific closed days each week. You can check current opening hours on the Northumberland County Council website: northumberland.gov.uk.

Sweethope Loughs offers holiday cottages and a caravan site for those wishing to extend their stay. Kielder Water, a major attraction further afield, also provides luxury lodges and various accommodation options within its park.

Kielder Water is Northern Europe's largest man-made lake by capacity, surrounded by Kielder Forest, one of Europe's largest man-made woodlands. It's famed for its dark skies, home to the Kielder Observatory, making it a premier stargazing location. The area also boasts the 26-mile multi-user Lakeside Way trail and offers extensive activities like watersports, cycling, and hiking.

Yes, Bolam Lake Country Park has a fully accessible path around its lakeshore, suitable for a relaxed stroll. Kirkharle Serpentine Lake also features a 1km fully accessible pathway. For more easy options, you can consult the Easy hikes around Netherwitton guide, which includes routes like 'River Walk at Wallington'.

Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil settings, the opportunities for wildlife observation, and the well-maintained walking paths. For instance, Bolam Lake is described as a 'lovely spot for a relaxed saunter around the lake' with abundant birdlife, and a 'lovely place to rest the legs or just to get off the road and relax for a while'.