The best walks and hikes around Hollingworth Lake

Yes, the classic walk is a gentle 2.5-mile (4 km) circular path around the lake itself. It's mostly flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for prams, wheelchairs, and walkers of all abilities. For a slightly longer but still easy option, consider the View of Hollingworth Lake – Hollingworth Lake loop from Smithy Bridge.

Absolutely, the area is very popular with dog walkers. The main path around the lake is a great option. However, if you venture onto the surrounding moorlands, such as the trails towards Blackstone Edge, it's recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing season, as you may encounter livestock.

Yes, Hollingworth Lake is a gateway to the more rugged South Pennines. For a strenuous day out, you can take on longer routes that climb into the moors. The Pennine Way – Scammonden Bridge loop from Littleborough is a great example, offering a significant challenge with rewarding views over the expansive landscape.

The main car parks are located within Hollingworth Lake Country Park itself, near the visitor centre. These provide the most direct access to the lakeside paths and the starting points for many longer trails into the hills. Arriving early is recommended, especially on sunny weekends, as it can get very busy.

Yes, the area is well-served by public transport. Smithy Bridge train station is about a 15-minute walk from the lake, providing connections from Manchester and Rochdale. Several bus routes also stop near the lake, making it a convenient option for those arriving without a car.

You'll find several options for refreshments. There are a number of cafes and pubs situated around the main lake path, making it easy to stop for a break during a circular walk. The village of Littleborough, a short walk or drive away, also offers a wider selection of pubs and eateries.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find flat, paved paths immediately surrounding the lake, which are very accessible. As you move away from the water and into the hills, the trails become more rugged, with grassy tracks, uneven stone paths, and steeper inclines, particularly on the routes heading up onto the South Pennines moorland.

For classic waterside scenery, the path around the lake itself is beautiful. For dramatic, panoramic views, a hike up to the gritstone escarpment of Blackstone Edge is highly recommended. From the summit's trig pillar, you can see across Greater Manchester and the surrounding Pennine landscape.

Yes, the trail leading towards Blackstone Edge follows a path known locally as a 'Roman Road', which is believed to be a medieval packhorse route. The impressive stone paving is a significant historical feature. The lake itself is a piece of Victorian engineering, originally built to supply the Rochdale Canal.

The southern side of the lake includes a nature reserve with a bird hide, which is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. You can expect to see waterfowl like Great Crested Grebes and Tufted Ducks on the lake. The wider area's mix of wetland, woodland, and moorland habitats supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.

There are over 370 hiking routes to explore in the area. These range from short, easy strolls around the reservoir to challenging full-day treks into the surrounding Pennine hills, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.

The trails around Hollingworth Lake are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of accessible lakeside paths and the wild, open feeling of the moorland trails, as well as the stunning views from higher elevations.