Milton Keynes has, as I hope I have shown in all my recent walks, some stunning areas for a hike, often these involve the outskirts of the town, but today I decided to have a walk through the heart of the city and head around Campbell park (which starts right next to the large shopping centre) and around Willen Lake, tow of the prettiest Milton Keynes Parks.
DISCLAIMER: This post is quite photo heavy.
Campbell Park to Willen Lake Circular Walk
The walk started by the MK Rose, an area that has been designed for anyone to commemorate, celebrate or remember a person or event, but I started in the heart of the shopping center having arrived by bus earlier.
The MK Rose
The sun was shining bright and a brilliant azure sky spread out across Milton Keynes as I began to walk, all throughout the walk Chiffchaff could be heard singing, these early migrants growing in numbers as the days grow in length.
My walk through Campbell park took in much of the art trail, the outward journey following the northern path of the large park, to my right, as I walked, the shining white of The Light Pyramid (the beacon) stood out atop the high hill, that makes up the most iconic feature of the city park, a hill that as a child I rolled down, although I'm petty sure the sheep were not in the fields, as I don't recall being covered in sheep poop!
As I walked I passed several of the stunning pieces of art that can be seen on the "Art Trail" (images below) as well as the arboretum area, the cricket pavilion and lots, and lots of sheep!
Armillary Sphere
Light Pyramid
View over Campbell Park
Another view of the Light Pyramid
Chain Reaction
Chain Reaction from another angle
Arboretum to the left of the path
Cricket Pavilion
Head - from below
Tree Cathedral
I needed a slight detour from my planned route as there is currently a splash park under construction, fortunately this detour too me passed the Tree Cathedral, a place that is literally a cathedral shape made from trees, although this is not obvious from the footpath.
Tree Cathedral from the Outside
Inside the Cathedral of Trees
Willen Lake North
I arrived at Willen lake on the north lake, beside the Nipponzan Myohoji monastery with it's beautiful gardens containing flowering cherry trees, and the stunning Peace Pagoda, whose gold and white glistened in the spring sunshine. While I took in the sights of these two striking buildings a Cetti's Warbler burst into song from deep within the reeds, surrounding this corner of the lake, the loud song, the loudest of any UK warbler?, burst forth from the tiny brown bird, which remained hidden from sight.
Nipponzan Myohoji Monastery
Peace Pagoda at Willen Lake
Pagoda and Lions
Another angle of the pagoda
Front on of the Peace Pagoda at Willen Lake
My reason for coming to Willen Lake in the first place was that a bearded tit (bearded reedling) had been seen in the reeds in front of the peace pagoda on Saturday. I spent a few minutes checking out this small area of reed bed, but there was no sign of the reedling, just a solitary Reed Bunting. The reeds however do spread around much of this corner of the lake, so I continued my walk.
As I reached the area in front of the Hospice, a call from within the reeds caught my attention, and I wandered across the muddy grass for a closer look, it didn't take long before a female Bearded Tit popped up onto a reed stem and began to work its way to the top. Over joyed at finding this proverbial needle in a haystack (my first Bearded Tit in Buckinghamshire), I attempted to grab a few photos (below).
She put on a great show for me, flying up and down the reedbed, although never landing for long the right side of me (always in slightly harsh light sadly).
Bearded Tit (female)
Bearded Reedling at Willen Lake
Female Bearded Tit at Willen Lake
Another view of the Reedling
Stunning views of the Bearded Tit at Willen Lake
As the winds picked up, the reedling became more elusive, ducking down into the reeds, I only knew she was still there thanks to her pinging call, which could still be heard. I decided to carry on and made my way along the exposed Eastern bank of the lake and headed to the hide.
From the hide I could see the area of the island known as the spit, although mainly underwater it did still hold a few interesting birds, mainly Lapwing and Cormorant, but a lone Redshank stalked the muddy fringes and a Green Sandpiper briefly put in an appearance.
To my left as I looked from the hide window a Grey Heron slowly padded its way through the shallows intently staring into the water, eagerly searching for its fishy lunch. And a second Cetti's Warbler exploded into song from my right.
View From the Hide
Grey Heron among the reeds
Canada Geese
Willen Lake South
My walk around the south lake was a much more hurried affair, although there were a few birds of interest, a single Golden eye still swimming the choppy water and a pair of Oystercatchers settled onto one of the pontoons, the wind was whipping across the lake bringing stinging cold with it.
Views across Willen Lake
Great Crested Grebe pairing up
Back Home
Getting away from the cold winds of Willen Lake South I headed back up through Campbell Park, taking in closer views of the Head, sculpture, laughing at the local sheep which seem to have picked up their own camouflage in the form of twigs and branches that now stick out through its fleece.
Head
Sheep covered in Branches
Something less funny was the two men who seemed to think their dog running wild and chasing the sheep flock was funny, only calling it back when they saw me walking, although it was back off the lead moments later once again running amok, I do wonder what goes through people's heads sometimes!
Milton Keynes Skyline
There are more photos below the map.Campbell Park to Willen Lake Circular Walk Map
Other Photos
View over Willen Lake North
Another view across the lake
View of the Island from the East Bank
Distant view of the Beacon
Light Pyramid again
More Bearded Tit
Last reedling shot
Grey Heron in the water
Heron in flight
Another shot of the Grey Heron
Mute Swan feeding
Art under the Bridge
Cold Waters of Willen South
Buildings Across the Lake
Toad Stools
Crossing the Canal
Sheep and the Beacon
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