Bolam Lake Country Park
Northumberland
Bolam Lake Country Park lies about nine miles west of Morpeth, off the A696 near Belsay. Dogs are welcome throughout the park and can be off lead in parts of the woodland such as West Wood, though the busy surfaced lakeside path and the waterfowl on the water are best met with a dog close at heel. The lake was designed by the Newcastle architect John Dobson for Lord Decies, who began the scheme in 1816 partly to give work to local people, and it took two years to dig, with the surrounding woodland planted in 1819. This 3.5km circuit starts at Boathouse Wood car park by the visitor centre, follows the one mile lakeside path, which is surfaced and step free, then loops through West Wood on earth paths that are uneven and muddy after rain. It is almost flat, with around 40 metres of gentle climbing, and the woods are home to roe deer, red squirrels and nuthatches.
This is a dog friendly country park where dogs are welcome and can be off lead in parts of the woodland. The main lakeside path and the area around the cafe get busy on sunny weekends, so keep dogs under close control there. Swans and other waterfowl live on the lake and there is a breeding season from mid March to mid June, so a dog that chases birds is best kept on a lead near the water. There are three pay and display car parks with the first hour free, toilets and a seasonal cafe.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr
- Walk Type
- Lake, Woodland, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafe and visitor centre (seasonal) and toilets at Boathouse Wood; poo bins in the park.
- Parking
- Three Northumberland County Council car parks (Boathouse Wood, Low House Wood, West Wood), pay and display, first hour free; gates locked at night.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
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All dog friendly stays in NorthumberlandDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
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All dog friendly hotels in NorthumberlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Bolam Lake Country Park dog friendly?
Bolam Lake Country Park is a great choice for a day out with your dog, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, with a 3.5km circuit that takes in both the surfaced lakeside path and the woodland trails of West Wood. There's a seasonal cafe and visitor centre at Boathouse Wood, along with toilets and poo bins dotted around the park.
Can dogs be off lead at Bolam Lake Country Park?
Dogs can enjoy off-lead time in parts of the woodland, particularly West Wood, where the earth paths give them room to explore. The busy surfaced lakeside path and the area around the cafe are better suited to dogs on the lead, especially on sunny weekends when it gets crowded. Near the water, it's also worth keeping dogs close, as swans and other waterfowl live on the lake and can be easily disturbed.
What should I know before visiting Bolam Lake Country Park with my dog?
If your dog has a tendency to chase birds, be aware that swans and waterfowl breed on the lake from mid March to mid June, so keeping them on the lead near the water during that period is a good idea. The lakeside path is surfaced and step-free, while the woodland trails in West Wood are earth paths that can get muddy and uneven after rain. There are three pay and display car parks (first hour free), but note that the gates are locked at night, so plan your visit accordingly.
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Boathouse Wood Car Park, Bolam Lake Country Park, Belsay, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0HE
55.1327, -1.8708
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