Lancashire's Best Reservoir Walks

Lancashire Reservoirs

You can’t go wrong with a Lancashire loop around a beautiful reservoir! Reservoirs are great walking spots, especially for people who get lost easily… So these easy-to-follow routes are great for anyone and everyone! All of these reservior walks will give you some of the best views in the county. Being around nature is great for your mental health as well as being near a body of water. The soft sounds calm the mind and gives you that all important reset button.

So have a look at some Lancashire Reservoirs below and be sure check out your local.

Turton and Entwistle Reservoir (4km) EASY
Edgworth

Mistaken often for Switzerland (and Lapland in winter!) on Instagram, we can pretty much guarantee you will absolutely fall in love with this location. Situated in Edgworth, this reservoir was the highest in Britain when it was first constructed in 1832! Pop the local car park on your sat nav (Batridge Road) and take on this circular walk around the water. It’s easy to follow and flat, you’ll head through woodland and come across the perfect picnic spot too. Be sure to look out for the steel sculpture of the heron!

Clowbridge Reservoir (3km) EASY
Burnley

Park on Limey Lane and take a walk around this pretty reservoir. You’ll journey through both woodland and countryside with equally excellent paths.  United Utilities and Lancashire CC have invested a lot into the area, so it is a great route to take some time out. Expect beautiful views and calming sounds on this easy and enjoyable route.

Anglezarke Reservoir (7.5km) MEDIUM
Chorley

It’s Rivington’s largest reservoir and an absolutely stunning one too. However, this is not for the faint hearted – expect a lot, we mean – A LOT – of mud! Waterproofs and wellies are strongly advised. Upon your journey around the reservoir, you’ll see great views of the county and lots of beautiful nature – including a chance to spot some deer’s and birds of prey too. Pop Anglezarke Reservoir car park on your sat nav and it will take you straight there to begin your walk.

Calf Hey Reservoir (3.5km) EASY
Haslingden

Head to the car park off Calf Hey Road and get ready for some amazing views. This easy loop is perfect for the whole family as well as four-legged friends too. Whilst you stroll around this 160 year old reservoir you’ll notice lots of ruins. This is because the village was flooded when it was built, the ruins are said to be of ‘Hartley House’ and you can read all about it when you’re there (we won’t spoil it!)

Upper and Lower Roddlesworth Reservoirs (4.5km) EASY
Darwen

Another absolutely beautiful route and right by Darwen Tower. You can park on Tockholes Road neat The Royal Arms pub and enter the path way there. Simply follow the route through the woodland and keep to the path - firstly around Upper Roddlesworth Reservior and then Lower Roddlesworth reservoir. You can keep going to Rake Brook reservoir but you will eventually have to come back on yourself to avoid walking on the busy road. Or you can loop it back. On your journey you’ll discover so many beautiful bridges and plenty of gorgeous waterfalls too. It’s such a picturesque route and it is extremely enjoyable.

Stocks Reservoir (10.8km) MEDIUM
Gisburn Forest

Pop Stocks Reservoir Car Park into your sat nav and this is where you will begin your walk. It’s a truly magnificent location, right in the heart of the Forest of Bowland – the views are second to none. In particular, this route is known to be one of the best places in Lancashire for bird watching – so don’t forget your binoculars! As you walk around be sure to keep an eye out for the blue and white arrows and be prepared for lots of different terrain as well as a handful of kissing gates, stiles and steps.

COVID 19 update

• Please follow social distancing guidelines, stick to the footpath, and keep a 2 metre distance to ensure the safety of yourself, other visitors and our staff.

• Please only visit our recreation sites if you are local to the area.

• Please only visit with your household, your bubble, or to meet one other person.

• Please act responsibly, stay local and stay safe.

How to respect our reservoirs

• Following the Countryside Code - Respect, Protect and Enjoy.

• Taking your litter home, or using the available bins.

• Keeping dogs under control for the safety of livestock and others.

• Respecting farmers at work on the land by leaving gates as you find them.

• Sticking to paths when walking, running or cycling. This helps us protect the sensitive ecosystems that form the habitats on our sites.

• Please help guard against wildfires by not bringing BBQ’s and taking care with disguarded cigarettes.

For more information on keeping safe and respecting our reservoirs please click here.