Watergrove Reservoir
A unique reservoir with striking slate shores, surrounded by woodlands, offering peaceful walks and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ample parking
Watergrove Reservoir
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ample parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique reservoir with striking slate shores, surrounded by woodlands, offering peaceful walks and abundant wildlife.
"A wonderful peaceful place to visit, both children and dog friendly. Often see deer as you walk round."
👟 Wear Waterproof Footwear
Paths can be very muddy, especially in winter. Waterproof boots are essential for a comfortable walk.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The car park fills up quickly, particularly on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cracked Slate Shores
Unique dark grey shores resembling volcanic beaches, contrasting with lush woodlands.
Woodland and Wildlife
Explore fern-filled woods with foxgloves and butterflies; keep an eye out for deer.
Reservoir Overflow
Witness the impressive sight of the reservoir overflow in full flow after heavy rain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Accessibility and What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Waterproof Footwear
Paths can be very muddy, especially in winter. Waterproof boots are essential for a comfortable walk.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The car park fills up quickly, particularly on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Watergrove is a fantastic spot for dogs! They'll love exploring the paths and shores. 
📸 Capture the Views
The reservoir offers stunning scenery, from unique shores to surrounding hills. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Waterproof Footwear
Paths can be very muddy, especially in winter. Waterproof boots are essential for a comfortable walk.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The car park fills up quickly, particularly on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Watergrove is a fantastic spot for dogs! They'll love exploring the paths and shores.
📸 Capture the Views
The reservoir offers stunning scenery, from unique shores to surrounding hills. Don't forget your camera!
🚶♀️ Easy Circular Walk
The main path around the reservoir is about an hour long and suitable for most fitness levels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Watergrove Reservoir is widely praised as a peaceful and beautiful escape, perfect for walks with family and dogs. Visitors appreciate the stunning views, diverse wildlife, and unique slate shores. While generally well-maintained, the paths can get very muddy, and parking can be an issue during peak times.
"Wonderful peaceful place to visit both children and dog friendly. Often see deer as you walk round."
kim chadwick
"Lovely place to walk around, I went in the snow and it was still easy to walk.
I arrived around 12 and the car park was pretty empty, but by the time I returned to my car it was quite busy, around 1:30pm. There were still enough spaces though as to not make it cramped."
Connor Beck
"Fabulous place for walking dog walking and horses. It's an amazing place and you can see lots of wildlife you can get around the bridle way in a wheel.chair but would be hard going"
Nicky Clark
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Watergrove Reservoir is located near Rochdale. You can drive there via the B6214, following signs for Wardle. There's a dedicated car park available.
While there isn't direct public transport to the reservoir itself, local bus services run to the nearby village of Wardle, from where you can walk to the reservoir. Check local bus timetables for routes from Rochdale.
There is a car park at Watergrove Reservoir with picnic benches. It can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, the main path around the reservoir is a bridleway, making it suitable for cycling. It's a great way to explore the area.
Absolutely! Watergrove Reservoir is noted as a great spot for birdwatching, with various species to be seen in the surrounding landscape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Watergrove Reservoir is a public beauty spot and there is no entrance fee to visit or walk around.
Watergrove Reservoir is open to the public at all times, as it's an outdoor natural area. The car park may have specific operating hours, but generally, it's accessible dawn till dusk.
There's no need to book tickets for Watergrove Reservoir. It's a free-to-access natural attraction.
Facilities are limited. There are picnic benches available, but no public toilets or cafes directly at the reservoir. It's advisable to come prepared.
Yes, Watergrove Reservoir is known to be a location for fishing. You will likely need a permit, so check local angling regulations beforehand.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The most popular option is the circular walk around the reservoir, which takes about an hour and offers diverse scenery.
Yes, it's very family-friendly. Young children can easily walk the full reservoir circuit, and the open spaces are great for them to explore.
Visitors often spot deer, and the area is good for birdwatching. The woodlands are home to butterflies and various flora.
The circular walk around Watergrove Reservoir typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views.
The paths can get very muddy, especially after rain or during winter months. It's highly recommended to wear waterproof hiking boots.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique cracked slate shores offer a dramatic foreground, while the surrounding woodlands and the reservoir itself provide beautiful backdrops. The overflow in action is also a striking subject.
Yes, the varied terrain, from the water to the hills and woodlands, makes it an excellent location for landscape photography. The contrast between the dark shores and green foliage is particularly photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The unique slate shores can look particularly dramatic in diffused light.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check with local authorities or the reservoir management (United Utilities) regarding drone operation policies before flying.
While the reservoir itself is a man-made structure, the surrounding landscape has a natural beauty. Old photographs show the area before the reservoir was fully established, offering a glimpse into its past.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer, which can be a magical experience for children. The unique slate shores offer a different texture to explore, and the woodlands provide a sense of adventure. Remember to bring appropriate footwear, as paths can be muddy, especially after rain.
🐶 Dog Owners
+1 The cracked slate shores and woodland paths offer varied terrain for them to sniff out. While dogs are welcome, it's always a good idea to keep them under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors. Be prepared for muddy conditions, as dogs (and their owners!) might get a bit messy.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
Be aware that the paths can become very muddy, particularly after rainfall, so waterproof hiking boots are a must. The reservoir is also a starting point or link to longer routes, making it a versatile destination for various levels of hikers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Unique Landscape
The area also boasts wooded sections filled with ferns and wildflowers like foxgloves, adding a softer, more natural element to the scenery. This mix of rugged, man-made elements and natural beauty provides a diverse and engaging environment to explore. The reservoir itself is a significant water source, managed by United Utilities, and its presence shapes the entire landscape.
Beyond the immediate reservoir area, the landscape offers opportunities for more adventurous exploration. Bridleways branch off the main path, leading into the surrounding hills and countryside, offering extended walking and cycling routes. This makes Watergrove Reservoir not just a destination for a simple stroll, but a gateway to further outdoor adventures in the Pennine region.
Wildlife and Nature Spotting
The woodlands are particularly vibrant, often described as being filled with ferns, foxgloves, and butterflies, especially during the warmer months. This rich flora contributes to the overall biodiversity of the area. The unique slate shores, while stark, also support specific types of vegetation adapted to the environment.
For dog owners, Watergrove is a paradise. It's a dog-friendly location where pets can enjoy exploring the paths and water's edge. Many social media posts feature dogs happily adventuring around the reservoir, highlighting its appeal to pet owners looking for outdoor activities.
+1Community Events and Activities
+1The area also hosts working tests for gundogs, demonstrating its suitability for various outdoor activities and canine events. These events showcase the reservoir's versatility as a location for both recreation and organized activities, attracting diverse groups of people.
Furthermore, the reservoir has been recognized for its scenic beauty and has been used as a filming location, notably for the ITV series 'Ridley'. This adds a layer of cultural interest, drawing attention to its picturesque setting and unique atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit