Top Lowercroft Reservoir

The walk up to Top Lowercroft Reservoir is proper steep, but once you're there the effort pays off. You're looking at a moorland reservoir - all dark water and rolling hills - that feels genuinely remote even though Bury's only a few miles away. It's the sort of place where you can actually breathe.

The main appeal here is the walk itself rather than sitting by the water for hours. The path climbs through farmland and rough moorland, and the reservoir appears suddenly around a bend - there's something satisfying about that reveal. On a clear day the views across the Pennine moorland are excellent. Bring binoculars if you're into birds; this spot gets interesting visitors from an ornithological standpoint.

Walkers will get the most from it, particularly those doing longer circuits across the moors. Families with young children might find the gradient testing - it's not a casual stroll. The water itself isn't deep or particularly inviting for a paddle, and there's no visitor infrastructure to speak of. Give yourself 90 minutes to two hours for the round trip, depending on fitness.

Combine this with a stay at Dearden Wood, the holiday park 5.6 miles away, and you've got proper access to the moors. The reservoir works best as part of a wider walking holiday rather than a standalone stop. Go on a weekday if possible - weekends bring out the fell runners, and the narrow paths get congested.