| viewpoint |
The viewpoint is open however as our ospreys have decided to move nest you cannot see the new nest from this viewpoint . The viewpoint does provide great opportunities to watch ospreys fishing in the lake, see red squirrels and watch woodland birds. The osprey team are working to set up a new viewpoint nearby where we hope to provide visitors with better than ever views of the nesting ospreys – more details and directions from the friendly osprey staff at Dodd Wood or on this page as soon as we finish the new viewpoint. Come and see these spectacular birds of prey from the open air viewing platform in the Forestry Commission's Dodd Wood. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff are on hand from 10am until 5pm seven days a week (April until the end of August) to help you with your questions. Dodd Wood is located just north of Keswick in one of North West England's most beautiful landscapes, the Cumbrian Lake District 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. 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 .
Download a Osprey Bus Timetable (PDF, opens in new window) The Osprey Bus is part of the Bassenthwaite Reflections Programme , supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
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. |
See the Ospreys 
Other Activities to do at Dodd Wood