53) Pugneys Country Park,  Asdale Way, off Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF2 7EQ.

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Distance:

Approx 1.7 miles depending if you do just the circular around the lake route - or take a few of the tracks off the main route.

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Terrain:

Much is on tarmac footpath with the remainder on dirt path, Can be extremely muddy if the weather has been poor.

Fairly flat route except the gentle slope at the far end of the lake. No gates or stiles.

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Facilities on site:

Excellent cafe with disabled toilets at the waterspouts centre. 

Plenty of free parking for blue badge users. Small charge form parking for none blue badge users.

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https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/sport-health-and-leisure/parks-and-countryside/parks/pugneys-country-park?

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Dogs are permitted all over the park.

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Any the side of the centre is a handy coin (50p) warm hosepipe, excellent for swilling off dogs and mucky wheels.

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A word of caution - various algae can be present in summer months that could harm your dog.

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The route.

From the carpark I head left and do the circular wander around the lake. Past the kiddies play area, top to the area with a shallow sandy beach area. Follow the path all the way. You get great views of Sandal Castle up on the hill- overlooking the country park. The little detour to the castle is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Follow the path and you will see a few paths to bird hides - these were closed due to covid during my visit.

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Stay with the lake on your right and you can't go wrong.

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It is possible to link up with New Miller Dam but this involves moving on the road as the pavement is either none existent or narrow. 

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What might you see?

All types of fowl, geese, divers, Grebes, Coot, swans, in the wooded area Robin, blackbird, tits, finch. Occasionally waders can be seen on the waters edge. Heron, Egret.

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