Foulridge Upper Reservoir

The walk around Foulridge Upper Reservoir near Colne is a proper bit of Lancashire countryside that actually rewards the effort. You're looking at a decent loop around a working water supply - the kind of place where you'll see kingfishers if you're lucky, and definitely see herons. It's all reservoir and moorland here, so don't expect manicured lakeside paths.

The circuit takes a solid hour to ninety minutes depending on pace and whether you stop to actually look at things. Most of it's reasonably level walking, though the ground can be boggy in places and the wind has a habit of picking up across the open water. Bring proper footwear. What you get is proper unadorned nature - no cafes, no visitor centre, no crowds at weekends.

Historically minded walkers will appreciate that you're walking past Victorian engineering. The reservoir dates back to 1888 and still serves its original purpose, supplying water to the valley below. There's something satisfying about that continuity.

It's less a destination attraction and more a solid walk to slot into a park holiday around Colne. If you're based at Shay Gate Farm Campsite or Trawden Forest Glamping nearby, this fills a morning nicely. Don't come expecting facilities or expecting to linger - come expecting to walk, see some water and wildlife, and move on. Family groups with younger kids might find it a bit exposed and long. But serious walkers? Absolutely worth the trip.