High Rid Reservoir
A tranquil reservoir offering scenic walking trails and a peaceful escape, perfect for families, dog walkers, and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, more peaceful strolls
High Rid Reservoir
Best Time
Quieter, more peaceful strolls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil reservoir offering scenic walking trails and a peaceful escape, perfect for families, dog walkers, and nature lovers.
"Great little place for a walk, relatively quiet and peaceful even on a sunny day."
🚗 Parking Advice
Avoid driving down the 'unsuitable for motor vehicles' road; park nearby and walk the short distance. :car:
🚶♀️ Easy Walking Path
The well-kept path around the reservoir is flat and perfect for a couple of hours of gentle exercise. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Reservoir Loop
Full circuit around the water
Enjoy a scenic 2.5-mile loop trail, perfect for a leisurely walk or brisk run. It's generally considered an easy route.
Wildlife Encounters
Water's edge
Keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife, including ducks and even koi carp swimming together!
Winter Wonderland
Surrounding landscape
After snowfall, High Rid Reservoir transforms into a magical spot for building snowmen and enjoying winter fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Peaceful Pursuits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Advice
Avoid driving down the 'unsuitable for motor vehicles' road; park nearby and walk the short distance. :car:
🚶♀️ Easy Walking Path
The well-kept path around the reservoir is flat and perfect for a couple of hours of gentle exercise. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A great spot for a family or dog walk, offering plenty of space to roam. :dog2:
📸 Scenic Photo Ops
Capture beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding nature.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Advice
Avoid driving down the 'unsuitable for motor vehicles' road; park nearby and walk the short distance. :car:
🚶♀️ Easy Walking Path
The well-kept path around the reservoir is flat and perfect for a couple of hours of gentle exercise. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A great spot for a family or dog walk, offering plenty of space to roam. :dog2:
📸 Scenic Photo Ops
Capture beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding nature.
❄️ Winter Magic
Experience a unique winter wonderland after snowfall, perfect for family activities. :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise High Rid Reservoir for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty, making it an ideal spot for family and dog walks. The well-maintained, easy loop trail is a highlight, offering a pleasant couple of hours outdoors. However, some travelers have encountered issues with misleading navigation leading to difficult road conditions near the reservoir.
"Great little place for a walk. Great for family walk and dog walk. Even on a sunny day it is relatively quiet and peaceful.
Directions take you down a road which eventually meets a 'not suitable for motor vehicles ' but you can park car and reservoir is about 200 yards walk up the road. Before you get to the unsuitable part of road it is well sign posted as unsuitable for motor vehicles."
Scott Sumner
"A great place to visit, well kept with a lovely path all the way round. Very flat once you climb up the hill, we spent a lovely couple of hours here and plan to re-visit."
Steven Tallents
"Lovely walk, not difficult to find perfect walk for a couple of hours."
Margaret England
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While GPS might direct you down a road marked 'not suitable for motor vehicles,' it's best to park a short distance away and walk the remaining 200 yards. This avoids potential car damage or getting stuck.
The final approach to High Rid Reservoir is not suitable for all vehicles. It's recommended to park before this section and enjoy a short walk to the reservoir itself.
Follow directions until you see signs indicating the road is unsuitable for motor vehicles. Park your car before this point and proceed on foot.
Yes, High Rid Reservoir is surrounded by cycling routes, making it a great destination for cyclists.
Information on direct public transport is limited, but the reservoir is accessible via walking and cycling routes from nearby areas like Bolton.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
High Rid Reservoir is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. Enjoy the natural beauty freely.
As an outdoor natural area, High Rid Reservoir is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit High Rid Reservoir. It's a free public amenity for everyone to enjoy.
While some visitors engage in open water swimming, it's important to be aware of the risks and check local advisories.
The path around the reservoir is generally flat once you reach it, but the initial approach might be challenging depending on parking location.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy walking, running, cycling, wildlife spotting, and simply relaxing in a peaceful natural setting. It's also a popular spot for building snowmen in winter.
The loop trail is approximately 2.5 miles and typically takes about 1 hour to complete at a moderate pace.
Yes, it's a great place for a family walk, offering a safe and relatively flat path once you're at the reservoir.
High Rid Reservoir is a dog-friendly location, perfect for a walk with your canine companion.
Visitors have spotted ducks and even koi carp in the reservoir, offering a glimpse into local nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire loop offers scenic views, but the reflections on the water, especially during sunrise or sunset, and the surrounding landscape are particularly photogenic.
Absolutely! The reservoir, with its water, surrounding greenery, and open skies, provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and potentially more dramatic skies, ideal for photography.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and respect the natural environment.
A standard camera with a versatile lens is sufficient. For landscape shots, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. Don't forget a polarizing filter for water reflections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack some snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The peaceful atmosphere means you can often enjoy the space without overwhelming crowds, allowing for a more relaxed family outing. It's a great spot for a picnic and some quality time outdoors.
🐶 Dog Owners
Ensure your dog is under control, especially near the water's edge. Remember to bring water for your dog and always clean up after them to keep this beautiful spot pristine for everyone. The easy terrain makes it a comfortable walk for dogs of all ages and energy levels.
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays to enjoy the trails with fewer people, allowing for a more focused and uninterrupted workout. The scenic views provide a pleasant backdrop, making your fitness routine more enjoyable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to High Rid Reservoir
For those who prefer two wheels, High Rid Reservoir is well-integrated into local cycling routes. This makes it an accessible and enjoyable destination for cyclists looking for a scenic ride. The surrounding paths offer a pleasant way to experience the landscape leading up to the reservoir itself.
While direct public transport information is scarce, the reservoir's location near Bolton means it's reachable via a combination of local transport and walking or cycling. Planning your journey with these alternatives in mind will enhance your overall experience.
Experiencing the Reservoir Loop
Beyond the physical activity, the loop offers continuous scenic views of the water and the surrounding Greater Manchester landscape. It's a place where you can truly unwind and connect with nature. The relatively quiet atmosphere, even on busier days, adds to its appeal as a peaceful retreat.
For those interested in the local ecosystem, the reservoir is a habitat for various forms of wildlife. Keep an eye out for waterfowl, and you might even be lucky enough to spot more unusual sightings like koi carp interacting with ducklings.
Seasonal Charm and Activities
During warmer months, the reservoir is a tranquil spot for walks and enjoying the fresh air. The well-kept paths are perfect for family outings and dog walks, providing a safe and pleasant environment. The peaceful ambiance is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, highlighting its value as a serene escape.
For the more adventurous, open water swimming has been noted as an activity some visitors partake in. While this offers a unique way to experience the reservoir, it's always advisable to prioritize safety and be aware of any local guidelines or potential risks associated with wild swimming.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit