Six Reservoirs East of Burnley

Introduction

It was a cold, crisp, sunny day as I headed north to Lancashire. I didn’t see a cloud all day.

I’ve never been to this area, and have no expectations as to what I may find as I cross the moors taking in parts of the Pennine Way, Pennine Bridleway, and the Burnley Way.

My starting point, Hurstwood, is about an hour’s drive from Cheadle Hulme.

The walk was just a touch over 8 miles, with 1275 feet (390m) of ascent. It took about 3 hours 30 minutes, plus 15 minutes for lunch.

This is a tricky one for dog walking. I saw plenty of dogs off lead, and some on. The signs said leads were required by law between 1st March and 31 July. Also, the moors had plenty of sheep, so any dog that couldn’t be trusted would need to be on the lead much of the time.

I was able to park on the Worsthorne Moor free car park, postcode BB10 3LF, the walk’s starting point.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL21.

Rock Water

I set off downhill from the car park driveway towards the interestingly named Rock Water.

It was still, cold, and frosty.

Rock Water is a narrow gorge with a rocky stream.

Above the gorge, last year’s ferns were a mix of frosty white and vivid bronze.

The sheep in the adjacent field were also enjoying the sun.

It was an idyllic view as I left the valley.

Cant Clough Reservoir

It was a pleasant stroll up the track to the first reservoir. It looked splendid from low level….

and from higher up.

It was a long steady climb up between Hazel Edge and Rams Clough. I took a last look back to Cant Clough Reservoir.

Gorple Upper and Lower Reservoirs

Picking up the Pennine Bridleway I crossed into Yorkshire and soon took in views of the two Gorple Reservoirs.

Widdop Reservoir

A short walk on, and I was striding downhill to Widdop Reservoir.

Back To Lancashire

The path led me up to a single track minor road. I don’t think I’d been on the magic mushrooms, but I christened this landform “The Giant’s Arse” as it looked like a pair of giant bottom cheeks had sat here on the bank of the stream and left their imprint behind!

I must get out less!!

I sat on the stone plinth at the bridge over the small stream which marked the border between Yorkshire and Lancashire.

I left the road and crossed the flat, marshy moorland, the unmistakable outline of Pendle Hill coming into view against the still boldly blue sky.

On rejoining the Pennine Bridleway, the track meandered downhill to another beck, and up the opposite side, making it navigable for horses, and probably an enjoyable challenge for mountain bikers, though I saw neither.

Swinden Reservoior appeared, with Pendle Hill again prominent on the skyline.

I was on the home straight now, approaching Hurstwood Reservoir.

The reservoir’s beauty was certainly accentuated by the weather.

This is a classic moorland walk. Today’s wall to wall sunshine made it most enjoyable, and it was great to hear the calls of the red grouse on the moors. Perhaps spring is not too far away!

And Finally…..

A new album release, “The Boy Named If” from Elvis Costello, and it’s great! This is Farewell OK