A level circuit around two former reservoirs, now used for angling, watersports and bird watching. Ranger information service, adventure play area, toilets and cafe. Parking charge April - September. The pools are prone to blue-green algae which can be toxic to children and dogs.
Grassy paths next to deep water.
None to start.
Monikie Country Park.
Start from Monikie Country Park, signed from B961. From the main car park, which has toilets, follow the path to the right passing the cafe on the right and the turretted Ranger Centre. Keep straight on and follow the grassy mound to the right of the larger Island Pond. However if you want to visit the bird hide overlooking Denfield Sanctuary on the right, stay on the lower, surfaced path and after the hide go up the steps at the far end to rejoin this route.
The Monikie Reservoirs were started in 1845 and completed after 20 years work. Cattle were used to trample down clay used to line the two large ponds which hold 2,250 million litres of water. The reservoirs were used for over 100 years until larger reservoirs were built and in 1981 the Country Park opened. Nowadays fly-fisherman can try to catch brown and rainbow trout.
Keep following the high embankment and soon the strip of land between the two ponds is reached. Keep right here to head round North Pond, often used for sailing, rowing, canoeing and windsurfing. Equipment can be booked at the Ranger Centre. At the top end of the pond go over a bridge and follow the path around the water's edge ignoring a path into the woods.
Soon the path reaches a junction, go straight ahead through a tunnel of rhododendron and then turn right along the surfaced path. Turning left leads to a ropes course (advance bookings only) and the rowboats for hire. Cross a small bridge and pass the cute, wooden summer house on the right before passing in front of the Ranger Centre. Turn right to return to the car park.
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