Drax Skylark Centre

Free nature reserve with good paths and varying routes to follow. There is a car parking area inside the reserve beyond the gated entrance, but this was bollarded off. As you approach there is a roundabout outside the reserve with a wide circular road around it and this is used as the parking area. Helpful chap on the gate who supplies you with a laminated route map. There are four routes marked on it of varying lengths and the times vary from 2 @ 20 minutes; a 1 hour walk and a 1.5 hour walk. The latter walk doesn't take 1.5 hours because the last section is gated off with a Mr T style heavy duty chain and padlock blocking access, despite contradictory signage. It is on the red route walk to the mound, or not, as it would appear. Very impressed with this expansive nature reserve, the paths are good and the signs and information boards are clear and well laid out. Some of the lower down paths would be OK in parts for wheelchairs and prams, but you would struggle at the many swing gates on the routes - they have a very acute narrow V angle that would be impossible to negotiate. You would also struggle with these gates if you were, shall we say, of the more corpulent build. They are tight with not much room to manoeuvre. I came back with green moss marks on my bag and clothing from these gates. No dogs or cycles as there are sheep and nesting birds. There is a toilet block which was open and there is a café building but it was closed on the weekend I visited. Pleasant walking. Loadssss of butterflies, many varieties to be seen. I also saw a large heron who flew off "in a flap" before I could snap him, but I also saw a roe deer in the distance. Good place for those who like woodland, nature and walking.

A gorgeous, peaceful walk. Plenty of wildlife (deer, foxes, squirrels, birds) to look out for. It could do with a few more "you are here" maps dotted around and replacements for broken/faded signposts. You cannot park at the centre, and need to park on the roadside (roundabout side?) outside the gates.

My partner and I love this place. There is plenty of wildlife to see. Kingfishers, roe deer, rabbits, birds and insects. Went a few weeks ago and it's really run down. Nest boxes fallen. Signs been kicked over, also dead deer which was rather upsetting. Come on drax if you're going to do something you need to do it right.

Fabulous place to get back to nature, a walk in the open air and take in nature

Good Santa Grotto experience