A few weeks ago, we headed to Rushy Common Nature Reserve for an early morning dog walk. We didn’t realise that we’d need a key to access the bird hide, so we went for a walk around the Tar Lakes opposite. Phil found a circular walk that would be just as good. We crossed over and headed for the lakes. I’ve never been before and couldn’t believe how beautiful they were. Plus, there were butterflies and dragonflies everywhere! They were amazing, dancing from flower to flower. Wildlife at its best!

As you can see, it was a glorious day. We walked around the Tar Lakes and headed out on the public footpath across the River Windrush. We stayed on this path, which heads to Hardwick, but headed right instead. We stayed on this path until it joined with the bridleway, which leads back to the car park at Rushy Common. You can download a map here. As you can see from the map, you can walk all the way to Witney along this path, which would be an excellent walk to do. If you’re feeling like something a little more easy going, then stay on the path around the Tar Lakes. It’s been developed so carefully that there’s wheelchair access and lots of viewing points to watch the birds and other wildlife. I’d definitely like to go back at a different time of year to see other types of wildlife doing their thing.

The Walk: The walk we did took a few hours and went through fields and along the river. However, if that’s not your thing, you can walk around the Tar Lakes.
Cost: Free
Car Park: There’s a small car park at Rushy Common Nature Reserve, which has a path that leads to the Tar Lakes. It’s free, but small so get there early.
Refreshments: There’s no where nearby so why not pack up a Thermos and some cake and enjoy the view of the lakes from one of the benches.
Toilets: No.