Amidst the rolling grasslands north of Heywood in the borough of Rochdale lies Greenbooth Reservoir – a stunning embankment with a hidden past long forgotten by most.
Now a popular walking destination for its tranquility and picturesque vistas on display, the Greater Manchester dam was previously home to Greenbooth Village; an old settlement which now lay demolished and submerged beneath the reservoir’s shimmering waters.
Providing marvelous views out towards Manchester, Yorkshire and the surrounding countryside, the area is home to four reservoirs in total which can all easily be accessed via the Greenbooth Circular Trail.
Greenbooth Reservoir Circular Walk – Route info
Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
Location: Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Starting Point: Forsyth Lane, Rochdale, OL12 7TL
Grid Reference: SD 8556 1548
A relatively straight forward ramble, start the walk from Greenbooth Reservoir and simply follow the gentle and looping trail around all four embankments. These are:
- Greenbooth Reservoir
- Naden Lower Reservoir
- Naden Middle Reservoir
- Naden Higher Reservoir
How hard is the Greenbooth Reservoir walk?
The walk is mostly well-laid out and flat throughout, though there are a couple of brief steep rises and descents which may be a tad challenging for some.
A predominantly mild trail however, Greenbooth Reservoir is suitable for all abilities and is a particular popular walk for families. However, please bear in mind that some segments of the trail aren’t really pram or stroller friendly.
Likewise, the trail can also get pretty mucky in wet conditions – so best to bring along those walking boots!
For those who don’t fancy rambling around all four dams, the conveniently interlinked footpaths means you’re easily able to shorten your route and only venture around whichever reservoirs you’d like.
Greenbooth Reservoir waterfall
Towards the south-west of Greenbooth Reservoir, you’ll also come across a small cascading fall which provides walkers with impressive displays after heavy rainfall.
Simply follow the standard trail and you’ll eventually be led down a steep flight of stairs into a small woodland and rocky gorge. Once you’ve made it down the steps you can’t miss it.
If you’re visiting in dry weather however, the waterfall may unfortunately be nothing more than a measly trickle!
History of Greenbooth Village & Reservoir
Originally home to Greenbooth Village, in 1958 the local water board began the construction of Greenbooth Reservoir, which sadly led to the historic settlement being abandoned and demolished.
While the area had already been home to Naden Lower, Naden Middle & Naden Higher Reservoir since 1846, another embankment was required to meet the water demands of Rochdale’s rapidly expanding population.
Taking two whole years to build, the reservoir was completed in 1961 with the remnants of Greenbooth village laying swallowed deep beneath its glistening water.
It was then officially opened four years later in August 1965.
Terry Tomlinson, a local resident who remembers Greenbooth Village in it’s heyday states many of its residents ‘didn’t want to leave and surrender it to the reservoir. Their properties were subject to compulsory purchase.’
Along your walk around the reservoir, be sure to look out for a plaque on the side of the dam wall which reads:
“This tablet commemorates the village of Greenbooth, the site of which is submerged beneath the waters of this reservoir.”
Where do I park to walk around Greenbooth Reservoir?
There are two main parking locations for Greenbooth Reservoir and the good news is they’re both free!
Our usual spot is to the west of the reservoir on Over Town Lane. Simply turn up from the White Lion pub on Edenfield Road and park beside the reservoir.
Alternatively, there’s also an official car park on the eastern side of the embankment on Forsyth Lane.
I’ve never seen Greenbooth Reservoir overly crowded so you shouldn’t have much issue parking at either of these locations.
Other nearby walks
For more great walks similar to this, be sure to check out our guide to the very best reservoir walks in Greater Manchester!
Happy walking 🚶🚶