Short birdwatching visit · National Trust, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales
Bosherston Lakes, Stackpole NNR
- Tier
- Good stop nearby
- Best season
- Winter for Gadwall, Goosander and Teal
- Headline birds
- Goosander · Gadwall · Teal
- Parking
- National Trust parking charges apply at Bosherston Lily Ponds.
- Hides
- Not stated by the operator
- Step-free
- The published lakes walk is unsuitable for wheelchairs or powered mobility vehicles.
Bosherston, near Pembroke
Bosherston Lakes form the freshwater heart of Stackpole National Nature Reserve. The lakes and surrounding wooded valleys offer a quieter inland contrast to the estate's beaches and cliffs. Natural Resources Wales names Gadwall, Goosander and Teal among the winter birds on the water. Public lakeside paths and narrow causeways allow a visit focused on waterbirds without taking the longer coastal circuit. The National Trust route starts at Bosherston Lily Ponds car park and descends to the lakes. Expect uneven ground and occasional tree roots even where the path surface is mostly gravel.
Birds and seasons
- Goosander · Headline bird — Winter Source for Goosander
- Gadwall · Headline bird — Winter Source for Gadwall
- Teal · Headline bird — Winter Source for Teal
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Paths
- The lakeside route includes uneven steps, two narrow causeways and a steeper section.
- Toilets
- Public toilets are listed at Bosherston.
- Parking
- National Trust parking charges apply at Bosherston Lily Ponds.
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads are welcome on the lakes trail.
- Access notes
- The published lakes walk is unsuitable for wheelchairs or powered mobility vehicles.
- Step-free access
- The published lakes walk is unsuitable for wheelchairs or powered mobility vehicles.
Getting there: Use Bosherston Lily Ponds car park at grid SR966948 and follow the signed descent to the lakes. This entry covers one lake-and-estate birding place; it does not include St Govan’s or Castlemartin military-range access.
Sources
Social preview: original typographic artwork by Does Your Duck Quack.
Nearby special trips
- Rhosili Headland and The Vile · 28.1 straight-line miles
- Cemaes Head · 35.6 straight-line miles
- Blackpill Shore · 40.6 straight-line miles
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: Skokholm Island, 15.6 miles away in a straight line.
- Westfield Pill · 7.1 miles in a straight line
- Marloes Mere · 14.3 miles in a straight line
- Goodwick Moor · 26.6 miles in a straight line