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The 2010 Osprey Season has finished so the viewpoint and exhibition are no longer staffed. Thank you for all your support its been a great year.
Our open air viewpoints offer spectacular views of the Ospreys on and flying to and from their nest and, most amazing of all, catching fish from Bassenthwaite Lake
Location
Our outside viewpoints are located in Dodd Wood which is about 3 miles north of Keswick off the A591 where there are public toilets, tearoom and parking.
This viewpoint is open between 10am and 5pm daily, and it is suggested that all visitors should make their way here first. From this viewpoint excellent views of the ospreys fishing over the lake can be seen, as well as the resident red squirrels, and a host of woodland birds. On visiting the lower viewpoint, the staff and volunteers will give you the information you require to get you safely to the upper viewpoint. Please note that on bright sunny days the visibility from the lower viewpoint in the afternoons is much poorer than in the mornings.
This viewpoint is half a mile from the lower viewpoint and can be accessed via the forest road from the lower viewpoint. It should take about 30 minutes to walk, as there is a steady climb involved. The upper viewpoint is staffed by volunteers and there are optics available giving some spectacular views of the new nest, which is only 400m away.
Please note that for reasons of nest protection, the upper viewpoint is open between 10.30 and 4.30 daily.
Over the course of most days the Ospreys can be seen fishing, sitting, feeding, flying and washing. High powered telescopes are provided but bring your own binoculars.
Getting There
The Osprey Exhibition is located at Whinlatter Visitor Centre west of Keswick (CA12 5TW NY209245)
There are good public transport links with the daily X4 and X5 Stagecoach bus services between Penrith and Workington calling at Keswick. From Keswick the Osprey Bus links around Bassenthwaite Lake taking in the Whinlatter Exhibition, Dodd Wood Viewpoints and other attractions.
At Penrith and Workington there are rail links to and from the west coast mainline between Glasgow, Carlisle and London.
Parking
Pay and Display car parking is available opposite the entrance to Mirehouse. From the car park the lower viewpoint is a fifteen to twenty minute walk uphill along a gravel path.
No coach parking is available at Dodd Wood - please disembark passengers on the main road and park offsite.
For
people with reduced mobility, access to the old viewpoint by car can be made by prior arrangement, please
contact Whinlatter Visitor Centre on 017687 78469. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to escort disabled drivers and occupants to the new viewpoint in their own vehicles, and this is likely to be the case for at least the remainder of this season.
The principal reasons for this is that the site is remote and the road is very narrow, therefore turning is extremely difficult and there is a 200ft drop where the new viewing site is located. Lastly the potential for conflict between vehicles and pedestrians is much higher than at the old viewpoint.
We will look to see if we can address this in future years, should the nest site become established.
Other Activities to do at Dodd Wood
The Old Sawmill Tearoom at Dodd Wood offers an appetising selection of home baking, snacks, ice creams etc. and is open throughout the Osprey season.
Mirehouse can be found across the road from the Old Sawmill Tearoom. Mirehouse, family home of the Speddings, and its grounds which include four playgrounds, a heather maze and lakeside walk, is open to visit at a reasonable charge.
The Forestry Commission provide a network of forest walks starting from Dodd Wood car park through some huge Douglas Fir and there are stunning 360 degree views from the top of the Dodd. There are also access routes onto Skiddaw. Ask for a leaflet at the Tearoom.
