As the leaves change to their autumnal oranges and yellows, getting outside to welcome the new season can be calming and beautiful.
If you’re heading out for a walk but aren’t sure where to go, you could give Radley Lakes a visit.
The Oxford Mail asked readers to recommend the best places for an autumnal walk in Oxfordshire and the nature reserve in Abingdon came out on top.
Described on its website as “a haven for all”, the lakes is “a valuable green space, tranquil and rich in wildlife, close to a large urban area.”
It added: “The Radley Lakes Trust was established to conserve and manage the Lakes and their wildlife for the public benefit.”
Using the website’s map, you can plan your walking route through the area.
What wildlife can you see at Radley Lakes?
While there, look out for a variety of birds as “120 species of birds have been recorded in the Lakes area, including 82 breeding species.”
You could see lapwing, skylark, willow warbler, reed bunting and kingfishers.
Other animals in the area include grass snakes, roe deer, muntjac, otters, badgers, different types of mice, frogs and newts.
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You can also look out for insects, including dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, bees and more.
Rare birds you can see at Radley Lakes
If you’re on the look out for rare birds, Radley Lakes could be the place to see them.
The website explained: “Recent rare visitors have included Bittern, Ring-necked Duck and Glossy Ibis.”
Radley Lakes is “beautiful” with “breathtaking” views
On Tripadvisor, Radley Lakes and the Thrupp Lake Trail have been reviewed together, with a 4.3 rating from 64 reviews at the time of writing.
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One person said: “The lakes and area around them is beautiful. Close to thames path. Nice colours in autumn. Birds, ducks in spring and summer. Worth a visit”.
Another commented: “Went for a walk for the first time around radley lakes and went early morning and all I can say is the views were breath taking!
“Amazing places and great to take your camera! And a nice Circular walk which is sign posted! Definitely going back! Worth the drive!”
