Top 20 Lakes around Whitworth

For varied walking experiences, consider Watergrove Reservoir, which offers trails with spectacular views and a link to the Pennine Bridleway. Hollingworth Lake is popular for leisurely walks around the water, often combined with refreshments. Cowm Reservoir also provides well-surfaced paths for easy walks and trails into the surrounding hills.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly walks. Hollingworth Lake is a great option with easy paths and a cafe. Cowm Reservoir features well-surfaced paths suitable for leisurely strolls, and the area around Watergrove Reservoir also has walking trails that can be enjoyed by families.

The reservoirs around Whitworth offer diverse natural beauty. Watergrove Reservoir, high in the Pennines, provides spectacular views, moorland, young woodland, and wetlands. Cowm Reservoir is known for its picturesque scenery, with trails extending into the hills offering scenic vistas, and some areas are even referred to as 'the little lake district'. Spring Mill Reservoir offers a quieter, more natural experience.

Many of Whitworth's reservoirs have historical significance. Watergrove Reservoir was built in the 1930s, submerging the old village of Watergrove, with ruins still dotted around the landscape. Cowm Reservoir has remnants of an old convent visible on its far side, and both Cowm and Spring Mill Reservoirs were completed in 1887 to supply water to Rochdale.

Beyond walking, the area offers a range of outdoor activities. Cowm Reservoir is a hub for water sports, including water-skiing and wakeboarding at the Whitworth Water Ski Centre. You can also find opportunities for biking and hiking on the nearby hills. For cycling, there are various routes around the area, including road cycling, gravel biking, and general cycling tours. You can explore options like the 'Hebden Bridge Canal Basin – Blackstone Edge Reservoir loop' for road cycling or the 'Hollingworth Lake – Hollingworth Lake loop' for gravel biking. Find more details on these routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Whitworth, Gravel biking around Whitworth, and Cycling around Whitworth guides.

Yes, there are several hiking trails. Watergrove Reservoir offers walking trails with views and a link to the Pennine Bridleway. Clowbridge Reservoir features a 9.5-km circular trail, generally considered moderately challenging. Withens Clough Reservoir is passed by the Calderdale Way long-distance footpath and is near the Pennine Way.

Cowm Reservoir offers a mix of terrain. There are well-surfaced paths ideal for easy, leisurely walks. Additionally, trails extend into the surrounding hills, which can provide more challenging routes with scenic views. The area has seen improvements, with cleared vegetation and repaired drystone walls, enhancing the walking experience.

Dog-friendly policies vary by location. While many outdoor areas in the region are suitable for dogs, it's important to note that dogs are generally not allowed on the pathway directly around Clowbridge Reservoir. Always check local signage and keep dogs on leads where required, especially around wildlife or livestock.

Yes, you can find refreshments near some of the lakes. Hollingworth Lake has a cafe directly on site. Near Cowm Reservoir, a pop-up cafe is sometimes available, and there are various pubs and cafes in the wider Whitworth and Rossendale area.

The lakes around Whitworth are beautiful to visit year-round. However, for walking, spring and autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is ideal for water sports at Cowm Reservoir. Winter walks can be picturesque, but trails may be muddy or icy, so appropriate footwear is essential.

Yes, there is a car park available at Cowm Reservoir, though charges apply. It's advisable to check for current parking information before your visit.

The diverse habitats around lakes like Watergrove Reservoir (moorland, woodland, wetland) and Clowbridge Reservoir attract a variety of wildlife, making them good spots for bird watching. Tree planting initiatives at Cowm Reservoir are also encouraging local wildlife.

Yes, Cowm Reservoir is a prominent location for water sports. It is home to the Whitworth Water Ski Centre, also known as Whitworth Water Ski Academy, which offers facilities for water-skiing and wakeboarding for all skill levels, including training for people with disabilities. You can find more information at visitrossendale.com or visitrochdale.com.