Whisby Nature Park: Thorpe Lake Trail
Lincolnshire
Whisby Nature Park is a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserve southwest of Lincoln, made from a string of flooded gravel pits left after decades of quarrying and now landscaped into lakes, reedbeds, birch woodland and heath, with one lake where a dog can go off the lead. The Thorpe Lake trail is one of six waymarked circular routes from the Natural World Centre and, at just over 2km, is a short, level loop of compacted stone and tarmac around the park's largest and deepest lake. The path has gentle gradients throughout and passes reedbeds and lakeside scrub that shelter warblers, great crested grebes and dragonflies through the summer.
This is a dog friendly walk, and Thorpe Lake is the one part of the park where dogs can be off the lead, making it a popular short outing for a dog that needs a proper run. Elsewhere in the park dogs must stay on the lead, and swimming is off limits everywhere because of toxic algae that can build up in the lakes in summer. There is no livestock, and the Natural World Centre by the car park has a shop, cafe and toilets, with a playground alongside. Parking carries a small charge, and dogs are not allowed into the education grounds near the centre. The level, well-surfaced path makes this an easy, accessible walk for most dogs and owners.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 2.0 km (1.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 45 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Natural World Centre by the car park (shop, cafe, toilets); playground alongside.
- Parking
- Whisby Nature Park car park, small charge, card or cash machines.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Whisby Nature Park: Thorpe Lake Trail, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Honies Farm Barns - The Barley Store
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £581 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in LincolnshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Whisby Nature Park: Thorpe Lake Trail dog friendly?
Yes, Whisby Nature Park is a dog-friendly reserve managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, and the Thorpe Lake Trail is a welcoming short walk for dogs and owners alike. The path is level, well-surfaced and just over 2km long, making it an easy outing for most dogs. It scores 7 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating.
Can dogs be off lead at Whisby Nature Park: Thorpe Lake Trail?
Thorpe Lake is the one designated area within Whisby Nature Park where dogs are allowed off the lead, which is exactly what the Thorpe Lake Trail circles. Elsewhere in the park, dogs must be kept on the lead, so it's worth being aware of the boundaries as you explore.
What should I know before visiting Whisby Nature Park: Thorpe Lake Trail with my dog?
Swimming in the lakes is not permitted anywhere in the park, as toxic algae can build up in the water during summer — worth bearing in mind if your dog likes a dip. Dogs are also not allowed into the education grounds near the Natural World Centre. There is a small charge for parking, but the centre itself has a cafe, shop and toilets, making it a handy base for your visit.
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