The Osprey Season is over for 2009. However the Viewpoint will be staffed again from Easter 2010 when we look forward to another exciting year watching Ospreys.

The Lower Viewpoint :-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.

The Upper Viewpoint :- 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. Please note that on bright sunny days the visibility in the afternoons is much poorer than in the mornings.

Getting there

The Dodd viewpoint offers magnificent views over Bassenthwaite Lake, a favoured fishing area for the Ospreys and there is a clear direct view of the nest from a safe distance. The viewpoint is situated about 3 miles north of Keswick off the A591 - follow signposts to Dodd Wood from the A66 and Cattle Inn. Car parking is available opposite the entrance to Mirehouse. From the car park the viewpoint is a fifteen to twenty minute walk uphill along a gravel path. (Grid Ref NY235281- Find with Multimap)

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 andpedestrians 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.

Thank-you for your continued support, and hopefully you are continuing to follow the progress of the birds this season.

There is no charge for the viewpoint. Car parking charges are , £1 for 1 hour, £3 for up to 4 hours and £4 over 4 hrs.

No coach parking is available at Dodd Wood - please disembark passengers on main road and park offsite.

Visitors are asked to consider using public transport when visiting the osprey viewpoint,see below.

The Osprey Bus

The Osprey Bus links Keswick with a round Bassenthwaite Lake public transport route taking in the Whinlatter Exhibition and the Dodd Wood viewpoint

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.

There are public toilets at the car park.

The exhibition at Whinlatter and viewpoint at Dodd Wood are both well served by public transport so why not enjoy a relaxing day without the pressures of driving.