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Description
Grindon Lough is the smallest and shallowest of four natural loughs located in the Hadrian’s Wall area. The Lough can be viewed from the road and is a good site for waterfowl especially in winter. A number of geese can regularly be viewed including Kanadagæs, Grágæs, Heiðagæs, and (sadly, now rarely) Greenland Blesgæs. Álft also use the lake, as do a range of dabbling ducks, primarily Urtönd, Skeiðönd, Rauðhöfðaönd and Stokkönd, and a few diving ducks, mainly Skúfönd and Hvinönd. Wading species include breeding Lóuþræll, Hrossagaukur, and Stelkur; wintering Heiðlóa, and passage Jaðrakan are commonly observed. Other key species to watch out for include Bláheiðir, Músvákur, Turnfálki, Hrafn and Sönglævirki.
Recent rarities have included Óðinshani (a single summering bird annually since 2015), Ljóshöfðaönd (a single drake present most of the time since late 2015), though sadly neither have returned in 2023; and longer ago, an inland Hávella.
Muckle Moss National Nature Reserve, an area of Birch bog woodland along the road just to the southwest, holds good numbers of Birkifinka and Barrfinka all year, occasional Auðnutittlingur in winter, and in summer, Gaukur, Trjátittlingur and Laufsöngvari.
Details
Access
The reserve is situated just north of the Stanegate (an old Roman Road which linked Corbridge with Carlisle), and lies between limestone ridges. Parking is available along the Stanegate Roman Road, west of Newbrough (OL43 NY806676) which allows good views over the Lough. Click on the P in the map to get directions. There is no dedicated parking. Visitors can park along the Stanegate Roman Road. The road is narrow in places, so visitors are recommended to take care when parking to ensure passing cars (including large farm vehicles!) can pass safely. There is no access onto the site.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Forest , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , Lake , Moors/heathlandConditions
Open landscape , No shadowCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , SpringRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Car , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Visitors are recommended to wrap up warm, as this is a very exposed site, which can be cold and very windy at times.