The Turton and Entwistle reservoir walk is a fantastic little circular route residing in the charming village of Edgeworth, Lancashire.
Located in the borough of Blackburn with Darwen, the standard 4-kilometre route takes you around the picturesque lake while the surrounding woodlands can be explored further via several off-shoot trails.
Along the way you’ll also find several open spaces which many use for picnicking or simply admiring the amazing lakeside views.
Being a relatively short trek and having well maintained paths that are mostly flat throughout, the walk is great for all skill levels. We saw a variety of families, cyclists, runners, dog walkers and ramblers (young and old) making their way around.
Fun fact – Along with the neighbouring Wayoh reservoir, Turton and Entwistle reservoir actually supplies around 50% of Bolton’s drinking water, holding roughly 3,400,000 litres!
Route Info
Route Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4 km (2.48 miles)
Route Elevation: 82m
Route Time: 1-2 hrs
Start and Finish Point: Entwistle Reservoir Car Park, Batridge Rd, Bolton BL7 0LU
Ordance Survey Map: Click here
Weather: Edgeworth – BBC Weather
How do I get to Entwistle Reservoir?
While the majority of people drive to the reservoir, it’s also possible to get here via bus or train. Entwistle train station is only a 10 minute walk away.
For info on alternative methods to get the reservoir, you can click here.
Where do you park for Turton and Entwistle Reservoir
Carpark address: Entwistle Reservoir Carpark, Batridge Rd, Bolton BL7 0LU
A word of warning – the carpark is quite small. We arrived around 10am and it was already full.
We had to drive back out and park on Green Arms Road, near to Darwen Memorial Forest. By the time we finished the walk and returned to the car, most of the parking spots here had also been taken.
So if you’re coming here on a weekend or public holiday, your best bet would be to arrive early!
Does the carpark have public toilets? – No, there are no public toilets here.
How long does it take to walk around Entwistle Reservoir
Walking the standard 4-kilometre route that loops around the reservoir at a reasonable pace shouldn’t take much longer than one hour.
However, there’s lots to see on the trail and plenty of opportunity to divert off the beaten path. We’d definitely recommend setting aside a bit more time if you aren’t just wanting to rush straight around.
We headed into the woodlands on our stroll, and had great fun exploring hidden trails and finding some of the picturesque mini waterfalls.
There are also some great spots for picnicking – although we didn’t spot any bins on our walk so be sure to have somewhere to store your rubbish.
What to wear for the Turton and Entwistle Reservoir walk?
Despite being a sunny spring morning, it was still quite nippy walking beside the water, so be sure you’re wearing enough layers!
On wetter days, we’ve heard the path can get quite boggy so a good pair of walking boots wouldn’t go amiss.
These wet paths can also turn very icy in the winter months, so be extra careful walking here when the weather gets frosty.
Entwistle and Wayoh Reservoir Walking Route
For those wanting a longer trail, you can also opt to walk around Wayoh reservoir from Entwistle reservoir; it’s quite easy to incorporate it into your loop.
A great alternative circular route for walking around these reservoirs and the surrounding area can be found on All Trails here.
Top tip – Don’t forget to finish your walk with a pint (or two if you’re nor driving) at the nearby Strawbury Duck Pub!
FAQs
Where is Turton and Entwistle Reservoir?
The reservoir is located in Edgeworth, Lancashire, a village well-known by local walkers for its picturesque views.
Residing just north of Bolton, the village falls within the borough of Blackburn with Darwen.
Can you swim in Entwistle Reservoir?
No – there are warning signs dotted around the reservoir which state no swimming. Reservoirs are man-made structures with machinery that can pose incredible danger to anybody in the water.
Is Entwistle Reservoir pram friendly?
Yes – the Turton and Entwistle circular route is flat and in good condition, meaning it’s a great walk for those with prams and wheelchairs. A few segments of the trail can get a tad boggy in damp conditions which is something to bear in mind, but nothing too ridiculous.
Happy walking 🚶🚶
P.S. – For more great reservoir walks in the local area, be sure to trawl through our list of ‘BEST Reservoirs In & Around Manchester’!