We have picked our favourite rides and walks on the National Cycle Network that take you to some of the best RSPB reserves in the country. Birds are easy to see all year round so whatever the season you are likely to spot something.
Many reserves also run events for birdwatchers, so whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll be sure to have fun.Ìý
1.Ìý
Lochwinnoch is one of the last remaining wetlands left in west Scotland and theÌýLochwinnoch Loop LineÌýtakes you right to it.
This wonderful place is perfect for families and there are two feeding stations on the reserve.
Look out for whooper swans, wigeons and a wide variety of ducks during the winter months.
In spring, you won't want to miss the elaborate displays of the great crested grebes.
Ìý
2.ÌýThe Exe Estuary Trail
The Exe Estuary TrailÌýride takes you on the western bank of the River Exe where you will find the Exe Estuary nature reserve.
The reserve is made up of two marshes on opposite sides of the Exe river.
One side of the estuary is Exminster Marshes and the other side is Bowling Green Marsh.
In spring there are lapwings and redshanks to look out for and in winter there are thousands of waterbirds.Ìý
Oystercatcher snapped off Route 1 in Orkney
3.ÌýCycle to the Wash
TheÌýCycle to the WashÌýroute takes you from Kings Lynn out to the Snettisham Reserve where you just might be lucky enough to see tens of thousands of wading birds head to their feeding grounds as high tide water covers the mudflats of the Wash.
At sunrise or sunset in winter there is the possibility of seeing thousands of pink-footed geese flying from their overnight roosts inland to feed.
This route includes some road crossings - see the route page for details.
Ìý
4.ÌýRainham Marshes route
TheÌýRainham Marshes routeÌýis flat and traffic-free, taking you around the marshes.
Before 2000, the Rainham Marshes area was used as a military firing range, but since then the area has been transformed by the RSPB as a great place for nature and for people to visit.
Now birds of prey and rare birds are regularly seen.
Robin spotted on National Route 256
5.ÌýBarnsley to Old Moor RSPB Reserve
TheÌýBarnsley to Old Moor routeÌýtakes you right to the entrance of this fantastic reserve in South Yorkshire.
In the summer there is the chance to see newly-hatched ducklings and lots of butterflies, and in winter the reserve is a stopping off point for ducks, geese and swans.
Ìý
6.ÌýNational Cycle Route 26
National Cycle Route 26Ìýof the National Cycle Network takes you past Radipole Lake nature reserve, right in the heart of central Weymouth.
Here you can spot well-known birds like house sparrows, finches and robins as well as rarer birds like Cetti's warblers and bitterns.
A heron near National Route 24
7.ÌýNational Cycle Route 64
National Route 64Ìýruns along the reserve boundary and past the site entrance of Langford Lowfields.
This reserve is still a working quarry, but the reserve trails at the north of the site have been opened for public access.
It's a great place to watch starling murmurations in the winter.
Ìý
8.ÌýBay Cycleway
A short detour offÌýNational Route 700 (part of the Bay Cycleway), via local country roads, takes you to the largest reedbed in north-west England, home to birds such as breeding bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers.
Please note the Bay Cycleway has some sections on fast roads.Ìý
9.ÌýBurgh by Sands and the Solway Coast
The route betweenÌýBurgh by Sands and the Solway CoastÌýtakes you to Campfield Marsh reserve, which is made up of a mosaic of saltmarsh, peat bogs, farmland and wet grassland.
What's more, it boasts 360-degree views of the Solway Plain.
Ìý
10.ÌýNational Cycle Route 42
National Cycle Route 42Ìýtravels through the Forest of Dean between Cinderford and Parkend, taking you past this great reserve which is a good place to spot British woodpeckers.
There are two hides in woodland situations overlooking ponds.
Ìý
