Unofficially dubbed as ‘capital of the north’, Manchester is a dynamic, lively and innovative city with an endless array of things to see and do.
Nonetheless, while the city centre is well-known for its hustle-and-bustle, venture a little out of town and you’re also treated to some of the most fantastic country walking in the whole of the UK.
Of all these great rambles on offer, some of the very best are to be found at the nearby reservoirs.
Even despite the typically grey and rainy northern weather, there’s just something so cathartic about getting out in nature and rambling around a large body of water.
If the sun happens to make an appearance, then all the better!
Likewise, with well-laid out paths that are flat and easy-to-follow, reservoir strolls are nothing too strenuous, meaning they can be enjoyed by pretty much anyone and everyone!
With a selection of glistening reservoirs dotted around Greater Manchester and even extending into the iconic countryside of Lancashire and Yorkshire – this list will surely give you plenty to get stuck into.
Reservoirs in and around Manchester
Greenbooth Reservoir
Location: Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Starting Point: Forsyth Lane, Rochdale, OL12 7TL
Relatively unknown to most who aren’t local, this peaceful 7-kilometre loop on the outskirts of Greater Manchester consists of four individual reservoirs and offers absolutely stunning views throughout.
Originally home to Greenbooth village, the reservoir began construction in 1958 which led to the settlement being demolished and submerged beneath the waters of the reservoir.
The walk has well-laid out pathways and the full loop around all four reservoirs can be completed in around 2 hours.
If the weather holds up, there are also some cracking picnic spots to be found along the way – and for those wanting a shorter stroll – you don’t need to hike around all four reservoirs since you can easily cut your walk short via one of the shorter trails.
For the full lowdown on this walking trail, head on over to our Greenbooth Reservoir Guide.
Dovestones Reservoir
Location: Greenfield, Greater Manchester
Starting Point: Dove Stone Car Park, OL3 7NE
Teetering on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park, Dovestones is well celebrated as one of the finest walking sites in the county.
Nestled on the hills above the quaint village of Greenfield, the reservoir is a rambling hotspot due to its numerous footpaths which loop around the scenic embankment and venture off into the adjoining gorgeous uplands.
Likewise, with Dovestones Reservoir having its own sailing club, watching the boats float along the waters under the backdrop of Greenfield’s craggy landscape only further adds to the charming appeal of the area.
The standard circular loop around the reservoir is an easy going 4 kilometres – but there’s always the option to head off the beaten track into Saddleworth Moor and Greenfield and Yeoman Hey Reservoirs if you’re hankering for a longer trek!
Fun fact – During a 1981 visit to attend the Royal Wedding, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga visited Dovestones. A commemorative carved stone can be found on western corner of Yeoman Hey Reservoir. Known as ‘The King of Tonga Stone’, see if you can spot it during your ramble!
For the full lowdown on walking here, head on over to our Dovestone Reservoir Guide.
Turton & Entwistle Reservoir
Location: Edgworth, Lancashire
Starting Point: Entwistle Reservoir Car Park, Batridge Rd, BL7 0LU
A fantastic little circular route residing on the cusp of Greater Manchester in the quiet town of Edgeworth, Lancashire – there’s good reason as to why Turton and Entwistle Reservoir is so highly regarded.
The standard 4-kilometre route takes you around the glistening lake and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Plus there are also several off-shoot trails which allow you to extend your ramble and explore further afield in the surrounding woodlands.
For the more adventurous types, you could even stretch out your trail to incorporate the neighbouring Wayoh Reservoir which is equally as scenic.
With plenty of spots to admire the marvellous views or maybe even stop for a picnic break – the walk proves particularly popular with families and keeps visitors returning time and time again.
Fun fact – Along with Wayoh Reservoir, Turton and Entwistle actually supplies around 50% of Bolton’s drinking water, holding roughly 3,400,000 litres!
For more info on this route, be sure to check out our detailed Turton and Entwistle Reservoir breakdown here.
Widdop & Gorple Reservoir
Location: Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire
Starting Point: Widdop Reservoir Carpark, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AZ
Situated just outside of Greater Manchester on the hills of West Yorkshire, this peaceful ramble takes you around the secluded reservoirs burrowed in the craggy landscape of Widdop Valley.
Perfect for walkers looking to get away from the crowds, the tranquil Yorkshire countryside here offers a well-needed respite from the hectic-ness of daily life.
With three beautiful reservoirs to explore – Widdop, Gorple Upper and Gorple Lower Reservoir – this 4-mile ramble is crammed with spectacular views from beginning to end.
Keep on the lookout for the unusual rock formations dotted around the trail since they’re rich in mythology and local folk lore – it’s even speculated they may share ties with the occult!
Fun fact – One particular rock carving in the surrounding area looks strangely similar to the hawk-headed Egyptian god, Horus. It’s been theorised that this could actually be linked to an old occult group from Bradford named the Temple of Horus!
Hurstwood Reservoir
Location: Hurstwood Village, Worsthorne, Burnley
Starting Point: Hurstwood Reservoir, Hurstwood, BB10 3LG
Likewise, hiding just beyond the Widdop & Gorple reservoirs you’ll also uncover Hurstwood.
A pretty and pint-sized rural village renowned for its local history, the settlement is perhaps best known as being the home of Edmund Spenser – celebrated as one of the best poets of the English language – who lived here between 1576-1578.
Hurstwood Reservoir is a short & relaxing stroll through the splendid local moors and woodland which shouldn’t take longer than one hour.
With plenty of opportunity explore more of the serene countryside via the Penine Bridleway National Trail and the Burnley Way footpath however, you can imrpovise your hike to be as long as you’d like.
Top tip – A popular walking route actually involves combining Hurstwood along with the Widdop & Gorple Reservoirs to create one big loop. Why not make a day of it and try walking the job lot?
For those interested in longer routes around the area, be sure to read through our ‘Burnley To Hebden Bridge’ blog post.
Clowbridge Reservoir
Location: Dunnockshaw, Burnley, Lancashire
Starting Point: Clowbridge Reservoir Car Park, Burnley, BB11 5P
Located in Dunnockshaw – just adjacent to the Burnley Millennium Forest – resides the picturesque Clowbridge Reservoir.
Originally built in 1866 which resulted in the de-population of the historic Gambleside village, the reservoir today is enjoyed by both walkers and water sport enthusiasts alike.
The relaxing 3-kilometre footpath loops all around the glistening reservoir, and along the way you very well may spot a variety of sailors, windsurfers and even fishermen all dotted along the waters.
For those who fancy a longer route, there are a number of trails which take you off the standard path and through the nearby woodland and over the hilly moors.
One of my personal favourite routes is the walk to the iconic Singing Ringing Tree, which guides you up to the sculpture via the Memorial Forest and Dunnockshaw Community Woodland.
For more information on this ramble, click through to our ‘Singing Ringing Tree Walk’ post!
Gaddings Dam Reservoir
Location: Todmorden, Yorkshire
Starting Point: Lumbutts Rd, Todmorden OL14 6JJ
Gaddings Dam lies hidden up on the moors between Todmorden and Walsden; around a one-hour drive from the centre of Manchester.
Attracting visitors from far and wide, the reservoir is most known for its infamous small stretch of sand nicknamed ‘Todmorden Beach’.
Residing 355 metres above sea level and 60 miles inland, Gaddings Dam is unofficially dubbed as ‘the highest beach in England’, and in the summer attracts throngs of visitors eager to stroll around the reservoir, relax on the sands and even take a dip in the waters.
While reservoirs should never be used for open-water swimming, this particular dam has been defunct for many years now and continues to be well-maintained by helpful locals to ensure its safety.
Originally built as a means to supply water to the area’s booming cotton-mill industry in the late 1800s, the reservoir progressively fell into neglect as factories overtime made the transition towards steam power.
With the government planning to drain the defunct Victorian embankment in 2001, a passionate group of locals instead decided to purchase Gaddings Dam, repair it and even continue to maintain it to this day.
Absolute Legends!
For more info on how to reach the dam, click through to our ‘Gaddings Dam’ blog post here.
Haslingden Grane
Location: Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire
Starting Point: Clough Head Car Park, 462 Grane Road, Haslingden, BB4 4AT
This hidden Rossendale valley actually has three reservoirs to explore: Calf Hey, Ogden and Holden Wood.
Formerly home to the historic village of Haslingden Grane, today the area is a popular destination for keen walkers who make the visit to explore the three sparkly bodies of water on offer.
Notorious in the 19th Century as a hotbed for illegal whisky distilling (or known locally as ‘whisky spinning’) – keep your eyes peeled for the scattered remains of the village which are still dotted throughout the trails along with accompanying informational plaques.
With options to simply stroll around Calf Hey on it’s own or extend the walk over multiple reservoirs, our favourite trail is the Haslingden Grane Circular, which incorporates all three reservoirs plus the the opportunity to discover the striking local quarries.
For more information on this classic Lancashire route, you can read our detailed Haslingden Grane guide plus the video below 👇👇
Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs
Location: Otley, Harrogate, Yorkshire
Starting Point: North Lane, Otley LS21 2NP
Coming in at just over 7 miles, this reservoir walk is one of the longer trails on our list but the lack of inclines still make it a gentle and enjoyable excursion for all.
Located near the Victorian Spa town of Harrogate, Fewston and Swinsty Reservoir is a popular site for walkers, runners, bird watchers and general nature enthusiasts alike.
Providing picturesque views across the glimmering water and the surrounding landscape, looking out over the embankment near the River Washburn in particular is quite the sight to see.
While we’d certainly recommend looping around both Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs to get the full experience, there is also the option to walk the singular reservoirs on their own. Fewston is a 4-mile stroll in isolation while Swinsty is just 3 miles long.
For more detail on this route, why not head on over to our detailed Swinsty Reservoir Guide?
Further resources
These are but a handful of fantastic walks around the local area. For more rambling ideas, feel free to trawl through some of our posts such as the ‘Best Walks In Greater Manchester’ and ‘Top Walks In Lancashire’.
Happy walking 🚶🚶
