Whisby Nature Park: Coot, West and Grebe lakes circuit

A level lake walk through Whisby Nature Park, joining the Coot and Grebe waymarked trails into one approximately 4 km circuit. Allow around 1 hour 45 minutes for walking and pauses at the hides; steady walking alone is nearer an hour. The route stays south of the railway and passes West Lake, Coot Lake and Grebe Lake, returning beside Thorpe Lake to the Natural World Centre.

Start at the main paid visitor car park on Moor Lane, Thorpe-on-the-Hill, LN6 9BW. Follow the public path north past the Natural World Centre, then take the lakeside path west between Thorpe and Coot lakes. Continue around West Lake and follow the northern shore of Coot Lake eastwards. At the junction near the railway crossing, stay on the southern side and follow the orange Grebe trail around its northern, eastern and southern shores. Return south on the shared approach to the Centre and car park. The approach section is retraced. The Teal viewpoint and the northern Willow and Magpie trails are not included.

These former gravel pits now provide reed beds, scrub and open water for wildlife. The hides offer a sheltered place to watch ducks, geese and other water birds without disturbing them. Sightings vary with season and conditions; binoculars make the pauses more rewarding. Stay on the waymarked paths and leave the quieter shoreline vegetation undisturbed.

Most paths are hard surfaced or compacted, with some uneven or muddy patches after rain. Keep dogs on a short lead throughout this circuit, keep clear of water edges and do not let dogs swim. Whisby’s operator warns that toxic algae can be dangerous to dogs. Cycling, swimming, fishing and fires are not permitted in the reserve. Use the lake paths only, with no entry into the education grounds or onto the railway.

Parking currently costs £3 from March to October and £2 in winter, payable by cash or card; the Trust says the car park gate closes at 6pm. Check signs on arrival. The Natural World Centre has toilets, refreshments and a shop during its opening hours. Planned from Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s reserve map and current visitor guidance: https://www.lincstrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/whisby-nature-park. The plotted route combines two trails rather than following every walk shown on the map.