But for sheer abundance and drama, one of the very best spectacles is the autumn arrival of pink-footed and barnacle geese<\/a> at Caerlaverock on the Solway Firth in south-west Scotland.<\/p>\n Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve<\/a> (NNR) stretches for\u00a010 miles along the north\u00a0coast of the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway.\u00a0This estuarine area of mudflats, sandbanks and saltmarsh, or merse, is a haven for wildlife. Thousands of waders<\/a> and wildfowl descend here in the autumn, including the entire Svalbard barnacle goose population, to overwinter and feed on the expansive marshes, tidal pools and excellent grazing land.<\/p>\n A 10,000-strong flock of pink-footed geese may be seen alongside overwintering whooper swans<\/a>, Bewick\u2019s swans<\/a> and regulars like shelduck, pintail and golden eye. It\u2019s a mesmerising place at dusk and dawn, wrapped in an autumn mist, and with views to the granite dome of Criffel.<\/p>\n Birdwatchers should visit the Caerlaverock Wildfowl and Wetland Trust<\/a> (WWT) reserve beside the NNR.\u00a0This boasts two observatories, two viewing towers (one with giant binoculars) and three large log hides on the 1,400-acre site.<\/p>\n All 10 WWT centres in the UK exist to fulfil founder Peter Scott\u2019s vision of connecting people with nature and are accessible to everyone. Flat, wide avenues lead to the Caerlaverock hides and wheelchairs are available to hire. Tea, coffee and snacks are available, too. And there are picnic tables where you can bring your own food.<\/p>\n 23 miles\/37.1km | 4\u20135 hours | moderate<\/em><\/p>\n An interesting and peaceful 23-mile cycle can be taken to the WWT centre. Along the way, you will pedal beside the sweeping River Nith before arriving at a formidable medieval castle.<\/p>\n 1.\u00a0<\/span>To the river<\/strong><\/p>\n From Dumfries train station, head west along Lovers\u2019 Walk for about 300m to meet Edinburgh Road. Turn left\u00a0and pedal on to take the first right on to Irving Street. Now away from the main roads, turn left onto George Street, then shortly after take a right onto Nith Avenue, which\u00a0leads on to Burns Walk. Here you will pass sites linked to\u00a0the poet Robert Burns, who spent the last years of his life in Dumfries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Cycle downstream to join an excellent cyclepath beside the wide, tidal River Nith, and simply follow this onwards. This part of National Route 7 leads through Dock Park, where the coppery gold and red hues of the beech and acer leaves are stunning.<\/p>\n You may also like:<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> 2. S<\/span>triking south<\/strong><\/p>\n Further on, the Sustrans route leads by tiny Kingholm Quay. A landing place has existed here since 1707 and in the mid-18th century a quay was built when it was part of the port of Dumfries.<\/p>\n An on-road climb then leads to a roundabout, and a quiet (outwith rush hour) B-road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The cycling remains nigh-on perfect beyond Glencaple with views across the mudflats and merse to Airds Point and Criffel. Old oaks dotted by\u00a0the roadside wear their October finery.<\/p>\n 3. F<\/span>abulous fort<\/strong><\/p>\n Caerlaverock Castle (access restrictions currently in place) soon appears by a bend in the road. This well-preserved, partially ruined, sandstone fortress is unique in being triangular and moat ringed. Naturally, lying so close to the English border, it had a beleaguered history; it was barely complete when it was successfully besieged by Edward I. Autumn colours brighten the coppiced oaks in adjacent Caerlaverock Wood.<\/p>\n 4. B<\/span>rilliant birds<\/strong><\/p>\n Continuing inland, turn right at the sign for the Caerlaverock WWT centre at Eastpark. Cyclists get a 15% discount\u00a0on the entrance fee.<\/p>\n From early October, the barnacle geese, affectionately known as \u2018barnies\u2019, arrive.\u00a0As many as 40,000 birds overwinter here \u2013 testament to a WWT-led conservation programme that has seen\u00a0the population recover from\u00a0a mere 400 in the 1940s.<\/p>\n But, last year, bird flu killed between a quarter and a\u00a0third of the population, and staff will be anxiously counting their numbers.<\/p>\n 5. B<\/span>ack to Dumfries<\/strong><\/p>\n The return leads uphill to Bankend. Follow the road\u00a0for Dumfries and, after descending from its scenic high point, turn left down the unmarked Stanehouse Loaning (if you reach a speed limit sign, you have overshot this road) to rejoin the outward route back to Dumfries.<\/p>\n![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/22\/2022\/08\/Caerlaverock-Castle-41704cf.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C411"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
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