Entwistle Reservoir: The Complete Walking Guide

Entwistle Reservoir (AKA Turton and Entwistle Reservoir) is a popular reservoir to visit in the village of Entwistle in Lancashire. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting the reservoir. We’ll include details about the awesome walk around the reservoir. On top of that, we’ll talk about some extended walk options, which also visit the nearby Wayoh Reservoir and the Jumbles Reservoir (Jumbles Country Park). Last but not least, we’ll provide practical details about how to get there, where to park (Entwistle Reservoir Car Park) and what else to do in the area.

Entwistle Reservoir (AKA Turton and Entwistle Reservoir)

This reservoir was built in 1832 and was originally called the Turton and Entwistle Reservoir. These days, it’s mostly known as, just simply, the Entwistle Reservoir. The water found in this reservoir is fed by the Entwistle Dam, which lies at the eastern end of the reservoir. At the time it was built, the dam was the highest in Great Britain!

The reservoir contains approx. 3,400,000L (750,000 gallons) of water, and, in combination with the water from Wayoh Reservoir, supplies nearly half of Bolton’s drinking water. Certainly, the reservoir plays an important role in its local communities by providing drinking water. But, the reservoir is also a beautiful place to visit, surrounded by gorgeous woodland. Indeed, a walk around the reservoir is a must!

So, where exactly is the reservoir located?

Read our guides about Rivington Pike, Tandle Hill and Darwen Tower

Where Is Entwistle Reservoir?

The reservoir is located next to the town of Entwistle, in Lancashire, in the northwest of England. Entwistle Reservoir is located north of Bolton and Manchester and south of Blackburn. You’ll find the reservoir falls in the underrated West Pennine Moors area.

To help you get your bearings, please click on the Entwistle Reservoir map below to access an interactive map.

Entwistle Reservoir Walk: Route Information

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 4km
• Time: 1 hour
• Accumulated elevation gain: 80m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Entwistle Reservoir Car Park

Entwistle Reservoir Route Map (GPS-Guided) and GPX File

Here’s a map of the circular Entwistle Reservoir Walk. In terms of Entwistle Reservoir directions for the walk, you can follow this GPS-guided map – simply click on this link to access the downloadable GPX file. That way, you can upload the GPX file to whichever trails map app you use.

Although, honestly speaking, trail navigation is very easy and straightforward. As you can see from the map, you’ll simply follow around the reservoir. The trail is well-defined, so your chances of getting lost are slim.

Entwistle Reservoir: Trail Description

Below, we’ll briefly describe the circular Entwistle Reservoir Walk. Later on, we’ll talk about some extended walking routes, which include visiting Wayoh Reservoir and Jumbles Reservoir (Jumbles Country Park) too.

Anyway, the Entwistle Reservoir Walk starts at, you guessed it, the Entwistle Reservoir Car Park.

Starting Point: Entwistle Reservoir Car Park

Given the popularity of the reservoir, you’ll find there are two Entwistle Reservoir Car Parks. There’s the Lower Entwistle Reservoir Car Park, which is located here. Otherwise, you can park at the Upper Entwistle Reservoir Car Park, located here. You can start the walk from either of these car parks.

The Circular Walk Around the Reservoir

Starting at either the lower or upper car park, you’ll enjoy views of the scenic reservoir right from the get-go. It doesn’t matter which direction you walk around the reservoir. Personally, Beck and I chose to walk around the reservoir in a clockwise direction.

After entering a gate, you’ll soon be walking right alongside the shore of the reservoir. Given the unique shape of the reservoir, the body of water seems to stretch for miles ahead of you. Personally, when Beck and I visited, we didn’t enjoy the best of weather. So, the reservoir was looking rather moody and broody. But, on a sunny day, you’ll experience sparkling waters, bristling and reflecting the sunshine.

Of equal beauty are the surrounding woodlands, which are totally picturesque. Because of the beautiful natural surroundings encountered on the walk, time will really fly by. Before you know it, you’ll arrive at a bridge at the western end of the reservoir. After crossing the bridge, you’ll walk alongside increasingly dense woodlands. Feel free to step off the man trail to explore the woods!

Once you’ve passed a sculpture called ‘The Wader‘, you’ll gradually bend around the northeastern edge of the reservoir. Around the bend, you’ll continue south towards the car park to complete the walk.

Are you keen on an extended walk to explore other nearby reservoirs? Continue reading below.

Entwistle and Wayoh Reservoir Walk

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 8.4km
• Time: 1 hour
• Accumulated elevation gain: 180m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Entwistle Reservoir Car Park
• Map: AllTrails

Located southeast of Entwistle Reservoir, you’ll find another reservoir called Wayoh Reservoir in the town of Turton. Walking around both of these reservoirs is a popular extended walk option. Indeed, Beck and I enjoyed walking around Wayoh Reservoir.

Entwistle, Wayoh and Jumbles Reservoir (Jumbles Country Park) Walk

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 17.7km
• Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 210m
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead: Jumbles Reservoir Car Park or Entwistle Reservoir Car Park
• Map: Wikiloc or AllTrails

Also known as the Lancashire Three Reservoirs Walk, the triple reservoir walk is a great option for a longer walk. Included in this walk, you’ll explore Jumbles Reservoir, which sits in the Jumbles Country Park. The Jumbles Country Park is one of the most popular country parks near Bolton. Indeed, if you want to experience and see all three reservoirs, we recommend doing this walk, instead of individually driving to each one.

FYI – you’ll find the GPS-guided maps, linked above, are slightly different. The Wikiloc GPS-guided map is a slightly shorter walk as directions stay nearer the stream of Turton Bottoms, in between Wayoh Reservoir and Jumbles Reservoir. The AllTrails GPS-guided map, branches a little wider, away from Turton Bottoms, in both directions between the Wayoh and Jumbles Reservoirs, which explains the extra distance covered in this route version (approx. 19km).

How to Get to the Entwistle Reservoir Car Park

The easiest and quickest way to get to Entwistle is to drive there yourself. As mentioned, you can park at either the lower or upper car parks at the reservoir. You’ll follow Batridge Road to arrive at these car parks. Parking is free and without any time restrictions.

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, we recommend hiring a car.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

It’s possible to get to Entwistle using public transport. You can get a train from Manchester to the Entwistle Train Station. From the train station, you’re only a short 500 metre walk from the reservoir. We recommend using Trainline and Google Maps to help plan your journey. Keep in mind, that Entwistle Train Station is a request stop station. This means you’ll need to signal to the driver to stop.

FAQs

Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about the reservoir.

How Long Is the Entwistle Reservoir Walk?

The walk around the reservoir is around 4km and takes approx. one hour to complete.

Where Do You Park For Entwistle Reservoir?

Please read the Walk’s Starting Point and How to Get There sections for information about parking.

Can You Swim in Entwistle Reservoir?

No, you’re not allowed to swim at this reservoir or any other reservoirs in England for safety reasons. During your walk, you’ll see many signs forbidding swimming and warning of the dangers involved.

Is Entwistle Reservoir Pram-Friendly and Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes, the reservoir is pram-friendly and wheelchair accessible. The trails circling the reservoir are mostly flat and even.

What to Wear For the Entwistle Reservoir Walk

These are some of our gear essentials for doing the walk.

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Additional Information and Bonus Tips

• Where to eat and stay – Strawbury Duck Inn: located next to Entwistle Train Station, this country inn provides the perfect post-walk pint and place to stay.
• Visit Turton Tower: found between the Wayoh and Jumbles Reservoirs, you’ll find Turton Tower – a fortification and stately home. This is a historical attraction worth checking out in the area!
• Enjoy ​​​​​​​Entwistle Reservoir fishing: it’s possible to do fly fishing at the reservoir, which is stocked with Rainbow Trout. Head here for more information.

Do you have any questions about the Turton and Entwistle Reservoir? Please leave us a comment below. Otherwise, read our West Pennine Moors Walking Guide and Lancashire Walking Guide.