Top 8 Lakes in Blackburn with Darwen

Many lakes in the region offer excellent walking opportunities. Entwistle Reservoir is highly recommended for its easy routes and amenities. Wayoh Reservoir features a scenic 3-mile (5 km) footpath, and the area around Upper Roddlesworth Reservoir provides tranquil paths.

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Entwistle Reservoir and Belmont Reservoir are noted as family-friendly. Jumbles Reservoir, though north of Bolton, offers an easy, flat circular walk suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, with a cafe nearby.

The lakes in Blackburn with Darwen have rich historical significance. Entwistle Reservoir, built in the 1830s, features a dam that was once the highest in England, designed to support local textile mills. Near Wayoh Reservoir, you can see the impressive 120-foot Armsgrove Viaduct with its nine arches, carrying the Manchester to Clitheroe railway line.

The lakes are set within diverse natural landscapes. You'll find extensive woodlands, especially around Wayoh Reservoir and the Roddlesworth chain. Belmont Reservoir is particularly attractive for birdwatchers, with 167 species recorded in the vicinity. The area also features viewpoints and trails like the Turton and Entwistle Trail.

Beyond walking, the area around Blackburn with Darwen's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can find cycling routes, including easy touring bicycle loops like the Weavers Wheel and Hyndburn Greenway, or more challenging road cycling routes such as the Lancashire Cycleway. Mountain biking trails are also available, including routes around Rivington Pike and Anglezarke Reservoir. For more details, explore the Cycling in Blackburn with Darwen, Road Cycling Routes in Blackburn with Darwen, and MTB Trails in Blackburn with Darwen guides.

Yes, several lakes have amenities nearby. Entwistle Reservoir is known for having two pubs and a coffee shop. Jumbles Reservoir also has the Jumbles Country Park Cafe for refreshments. Many other routes and trails in the area will pass by local establishments.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant temperatures for walking, while autumn brings beautiful foliage. Winter walks can also be scenic, though paths may be muddy after rain, particularly around Wayoh Reservoir. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.

Parking is generally available at or near the popular lakes. Entwistle Reservoir, for example, offers plenty of free parking. For specific locations like Wayoh Reservoir or the Roddlesworth Reservoirs, it's advisable to check local signage for designated parking areas.

While many paths are generally easy, specific accessibility varies. Jumbles Reservoir is highlighted for its easy and flat circular walk, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. For other reservoirs, paths can be unpaved and may become muddy, so checking specific trail conditions is recommended.

Many of the lake areas are dog-friendly, offering great opportunities for walks with your canine companion. The Turton and Entwistle Trail is frequently used by dog walkers. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially around wildlife, and adhere to any local signage regarding leads or restricted areas.

Queen's Park Lake is located within Blackburn's traditional 33-acre Victorian park. Opened in 1887, this three-and-a-half-acre serpentine lake is part of a cherished community landmark. The park offers peaceful green retreats with walking paths, children's play areas, and historic bowling greens, just minutes from Blackburn town center.

While many reservoirs are well-known, exploring the chain of Roddlesworth Reservoirs, including Upper Roddlesworth Reservoir, can feel like discovering a peaceful, less-crowded spot. The area around the Old Russia Stone Bridge and Waterfall, accessible through woodland, is also considered a lovely, tranquil place not commonly known.