If you walk out of the cottage and turn left past Branton Church House, on the bend in the road is the entrance to a wonderful nature reserve. There are two large lakes, a bird viewing hide, footpaths around the lakes in a figure of eight and a massive array of birds, flowers, trees and wildlife – blackberries in abundance too. Dogs can be off lead but MUST be kept near the path and never in the water, so as to protect the birdlife.
If you have a pram or a wheelchair to push, the walk to Fawden and back is perfect, great views, smooth tarmac road which is a cul de sac so very few cars pass, and barely a soul to be seen. The road to the River Breamish from Branton (also a cul de sac, unless you’re in a tractor or 4WD and happy with deep ford!) is rather more pot-holed, so a tusky pram might be Ok, but it can be a bumby ride.
