Thirteen assorted scooters and one pair of legs assembled at the Education Centre in bright sunshine.  The scooters varied from small shoppers to Trampers, the latter of which arrived mostly by trailer.  The new Blashford Lakes’ Trampers were also used by two of the group.

The clouds were starting to roll in as we headed for our first destination, the Goosander hide on the large lake to the North.  We were soon through the radar key operated kissing gate and across the road, where the sister gate gave us entry to the North end of the Reserve.

As the rain started to fall we retreated into the hide.  Then the hailstones started to bang on the roof.  Every ‘scattered shower’ in England that day seemed to pass over Blashford Lakes.  Having had our picnic the rain eased and undaunted we headed for the Lapwing hide, as far North as we could go.  Another ‘scattered shower’ saw us sheltering there for some time; it is amazing how quickly mobility impaired people can move when the heavens open!  The assorted ducks, coots and their young were unperturbed by the downpour and carried on feeding and diving quite happily.

We completed the circular trail and returned via the kissing gates and over the road which was by now partially flooded.  Wet and muddy we returned to the Education Centre.    Some of us finished the day with a visit to the North Ivy Lake and Woodland hides to enjoy the birds there.  

The weather added to the excitement and a good time was had by all.  Blashford Lakes is an excellent venue for wheeled access with good compacted gravel paths and few slopes.