Top 20 Lakes around Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester offers numerous lakes with excellent walking and hiking trails. Dovestone Reservoir is a popular choice, known for its dramatic moorland scenery and extensive network of footpaths at the gateway to the Peak District. Another favorite is Entwistle Reservoir, which offers beautiful views and easy walking, with facilities like pubs and a coffee shop nearby. For a tranquil experience, consider Jumbles Reservoir in Bolton, ideal for leisurely strolls and birdwatching.

Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. Chorlton Water Park Lake is a Local Nature Reserve with accessible paths for walking and cycling, picnic areas, and a playground. Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough is another excellent family destination, offering a wide range of facilities, watersports, and a pleasant 2.5-mile scenic walk around its perimeter.

For accessible trails, Dovestone Reservoir provides accessible routes suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Chorlton Water Park Lake also features a network of accessible paths, making it a great option for visitors with mobility needs.

Beyond walking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Hollingworth Lake offers watersports like sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and rowing. Angling is popular at Chorlton Water Park Lake and Watergrove Reservoir. For more extensive adventures, you can find numerous MTB trails, running routes, and hiking paths throughout the Greater Manchester area, many of which pass by or near these lakes.

Yes, some lakes offer convenient amenities. Entwistle Reservoir has pubs and a coffee shop nearby. Hollingworth Lake also features cafes and pubs located around its perimeter, perfect for a refreshment after a stroll.

Many lakes in the region are havens for wildlife. Dovestone Reservoir is managed in partnership with the RSPB and is excellent for birdwatchers, with species like Curlew, Plover, Grouse, and Peregrine falcons. Hollingworth Lake has a nature reserve with a bird hide, and Jumbles Reservoir is home to diverse avian species. Watergrove Reservoir also offers good birdwatching opportunities.

Healey Dell Nature Reserve, while featuring smaller ponds rather than a large lake, is rich in industrial archaeology. It boasts a disused 19th-century railway line now serving as a nature trail, with magnificent views from a 100-foot-high viaduct. The Healey Dell Heritage Centre provides insights into the area's history. Entwistle Reservoir itself has a fascinating history as one of England's highest dams when constructed in the 19th century.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for watersports and picnics. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, especially around areas like Watergrove Reservoir with its young woodlands. Even in winter, places like Dovestone Reservoir are described as great any time of year and in any weather, offering peaceful, serene scenery.

Watergrove Reservoir, high in the Pennines, offers a tranquil atmosphere and rugged landscape, making it a great choice for those seeking a quieter experience away from the crowds. Jumbles Reservoir in Bolton is also tucked away in the countryside, providing a peaceful escape with serene waters.

You'll encounter diverse natural features. Dovestone Reservoir offers dramatic moorland scenery and expansive water views, with nearby Greenfield Waterfall. Watergrove Reservoir features open moorland, young woodland, wetland, and unique dark grey shores. Chorlton Water Park Lake is surrounded by grasslands and woodlands, providing a green oasis.

While many lakes are beautiful, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking are generally not permitted at Dovestone Reservoir due to safety concerns. Always check local regulations and signage before attempting any water activities, as many reservoirs are operational and have hidden dangers.