Torside Reservoir Longdendale - Image 1
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Torside Reservoir Longdendale

4.5
·73 reviews·, United Kingdom

A vast 1840s reservoir in the Peak District, offering scenic walks and cycling along a disused railway line.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Torside Reservoir Longdendale - Image 1

Torside Reservoir Longdendale

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast 1840s reservoir in the Peak District, offering scenic walks and cycling along a disused railway line.

4.5
(73 reviews)

"Lovely views, great trek. Awesome place for a walk and a picnic."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Options

Use the pay-and-display at Torside or find free roadside parking at Crowden. :car:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

While the main trail is paved, some paths can be rough. Wear sturdy shoes for a pleasant trek. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Torside Reservoir Loop

Torside Reservoir Loop

Circular trail around the reservoir

A scenic 4.1-mile circular walk offering stunning views and a peaceful escape into nature.

Instagram
Longdendale Trail

Longdendale Trail

Runs alongside Torside Reservoir

A mostly flat, paved former railway line perfect for easy walks, cycling, and enjoying the reservoir's expanse.

Instagram
Crowden Car Park Views

Crowden Car Park Views

Crowden Car Park

Start here for free parking and access to paths leading to impressive water flows and tree-lined trails.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Beat the crowds by visiting Torside Reservoir on weekdays, especially outside of peak summer months. Early mornings or late afternoons offer serene walks and better light for photos. Check local event listings to avoid major gatherings.

Parking and Trail Accessibility

While Torside Reservoir has a pay-and-display car park, free roadside parking is available at Crowden. The Longdendale Trail offers a mostly flat, paved path suitable for various mobility levels, though some sections can be rough. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Spectacular tree colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A much needed break. Walking around Dove Stone Reservoir was a true reminder of the peace in nature and God's beautiful creation🤍#nature #dovestonesreservoir #peakdistrictnationalpark #godscreation #manchester
@benedetta.charless
82.9K likes • 1.7M views

🚗 Parking Options

Use the pay-and-display at Torside or find free roadside parking at Crowden. Reddit :car:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

While the main trail is paved, some paths can be rough. Wear sturdy shoes for a pleasant trek. :athletic_shoe:

Ladybower #chasingthesun #Hiking #fyp #chasingwaterfalls #naturalbeauty #peakdistrictnationalpark #camping #ladybowerreservoir #reservoir #nature
@tokkktikkk25
36.7K likes • 514K views
A Trip around Torside Reservoir Torside Reservoir is the largest man-made lake in Longdendale in north Derbyshire, England. It was constructed by John Frederick Bateman between April 1849 and July 1864 as part of the Longdendale Chain of reservoirs to supply water from the River Etherow to the urban areas of Greater Manchester #excellentbritain #uk #yourskies #dronelife #drone #dronepilot #view...
droneonepro
57 likes • 350 views

🧺 Picnic Spots

Plenty of benches and scenic spots for a picnic, especially along the tree-lined north path. Reddit :sandwich:

💧 Water Flow Spectacle

Visit after heavy rain to see impressive water flows, especially near the dams. TikTok :droplet:

📍 Woodhead Reservoir, Peak District ——— Route Details ——— Location: park at torside reservoir-> Longdendale Trail to woodhead reservoir You can extend this walk and walk to the woodhead tunnel! Walk Type: there and back (not circular) Distance: 7km Difficultly: The route is clearly paved out and pretty flat. The route is also an open cycle route! Kids + Dogs: yes perfect for both! Parkin...
mays.map
30 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Options

Use the pay-and-display at Torside or find free roadside parking at Crowden. Reddit :car:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

While the main trail is paved, some paths can be rough. Wear sturdy shoes for a pleasant trek. :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Spots

Plenty of benches and scenic spots for a picnic, especially along the tree-lined north path. Reddit :sandwich:

💧 Water Flow Spectacle

Visit after heavy rain to see impressive water flows, especially near the dams. TikTok :droplet:

🚶‍♀️ Extend Your Walk

Connect to Woodhead Reservoir for a longer, paved walk. Instagram :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(73 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Torside Reservoir for its lovely views and easy trekking, particularly along the flat, paved Longdendale Trail, making it great for walks and picnics. Some noted concerns about deforestation and a lack of facilities like toilets and shops, but overall found it a beautiful and accessible natural spot.

"Lovely views, great trek.
Pay and display car park."

K L (DirtyHarry07)

"Excellent very easy and short 11 mile walk around the reservoirs. It is mainly flat perfect for a day ride, plenty of people willing horses etc. Not happy with the deforestation, lack of toilets and shops but overall not bad."

Alex Chan

"Awesome place for a walk and a picnic. Stopped at crowden car park - side of the road, it's free, then walked to the east of reservoir over the bridge to see the nice tall waterflow. Then turned around and followed the north path through tree alleys along the reservoir. The path is not paved so a bit rough, but mostly flat - easy walk, Few benches in the tree shade to sit down. Returned back the same north way to Crowden. 1-1.5 hr total walk. Nice mountans around the place, reminds of Dove Stone."

oKOMAPo

What People Like

Lovely views
Easy trekking
Great picnic spot

What People Dislike

Lack of facilities
Deforestation concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Torside Reservoir is accessible by car, with a pay-and-display car park available. For free parking, try Crowden Car Park. It's also reachable via public transport, though services may be less frequent. Reddit

The Longdendale Trail, which runs alongside the reservoir, is mostly flat and paved, making it suitable for wheelchairs and electric scooters. InstagramReddit

Yes, the Longdendale Trail is an open cycle route, making it a great place for a bike ride with scenic views. Instagram

The reservoir is located in the Longdendale valley, with nearby towns including Glossop and Hyde. It's part of the Peak District National Park. TikTok

While direct public transport can be limited, you can reach the Longdendale valley via bus routes from surrounding towns. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee to access the reservoir and its walking trails. However, parking at the main Torside Reservoir car park requires payment. Reddit

Torside Reservoir is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. The car park may have specific operating times. Instagram

No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary as there is no admission fee for the reservoir itself. Parking fees are typically paid on-site. Reddit

General access is permitted, but visitors are asked to respect the natural environment and follow any posted signage. Dogs are generally allowed but should be kept under control. Instagram

Parking fees are usually paid via a pay-and-display machine. It's advisable to have some cash on hand, though some machines may accept card payments. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Popular activities include walking, hiking, cycling, picnicking, and enjoying the natural scenery. It's also a great spot for photography. Instagram+1

Toilet facilities are limited. While some reviews mention a lack of facilities, it's best to check locally or come prepared. Reddit

The Longdendale Trail is mostly flat and paved, ideal for easy walks. Other paths can be rougher and unpaved, requiring more sturdy footwear. Reddit

Swimming is generally not permitted in Torside Reservoir due to safety reasons and its function as a water supply. Instagram

The reservoir and surrounding natural areas can be good for bird watching, especially for waterfowl. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no cafes or restaurants directly at Torside Reservoir. Visitors often bring their own food for picnics. Reddit

You'll find dining options in nearby towns like Glossop or Hyde. Packing a picnic is the most convenient option for a day out at the reservoir. Reddit

Barbecues are generally not permitted to protect the natural environment. It's best to stick to picnics. Instagram

The nearest shops for picnic supplies would be in the surrounding towns. It's recommended to stock up before you arrive. Reddit

Simple, easy-to-carry items like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks are ideal for enjoying the scenic views. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire perimeter offers beautiful views. Look for reflections on the water, the surrounding hills, and the tree-lined paths. Instagram+1

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing stunning landscape shots. TikTok

Drone usage may be restricted in national parks and around water reservoirs. Always check local regulations before flying. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture details of the hills. A polarizing filter can enhance sky and water. :camerawithflash:

Keep an eye out for the impressive water flows after rain, the changing colors of the trees in autumn, and the vastness of the reservoir itself. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Torside Reservoir is a fantastic spot for families. The Longdendale Trail is mostly flat and paved, making it ideal for strollers and young children learning to walk or ride bikes. Instagram Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots, and let the kids explore the open spaces. The relatively short, easy walks mean little legs won't get too tired. Reddit

Consider starting at Crowden Car Park for free parking and easy access to the trails. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the natural environment offers plenty of opportunities for imaginative play. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Accessible Visitors

For visitors with mobility needs, Torside Reservoir offers excellent accessibility via the Longdendale Trail. This former railway line is largely paved and very flat, making it suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. InstagramReddit The trail provides beautiful views of the reservoir without requiring strenuous effort. Reddit

Crowden Car Park is a good starting point, offering free parking and direct access to accessible paths. While some reviewers note rougher sections on less-used paths, the main trail is well-maintained and provides a comfortable experience for enjoying the Peak District's natural beauty. Reddit+1

📸 Photographers

Torside Reservoir is a dream for photographers, especially during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon. The calm waters often provide stunning reflections of the surrounding hills and sky. Instagram+1 Look for dramatic water flows after rainfall, which can create impressive visual spectacles. TikTok

Autumn offers a vibrant palette of colors as the trees change, adding another layer of photographic appeal. TikTok The Longdendale Trail provides easy access to various vantage points, allowing you to capture the vastness of the reservoir and the rugged beauty of the Peak District. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Longdendale Reservoirs

Torside Reservoir is part of the larger Longdendale Chain, a series of reservoirs constructed in the mid-19th century. John Frederick Bateman was the chief engineer behind this ambitious project, which aimed to supply water to the rapidly growing urban areas of Greater Manchester. The construction was a monumental undertaking, involving significant engineering challenges and landscape transformation. Instagram

The reservoirs, including Torside, were built to regulate water flow from the River Etherow. This system was crucial for industrial development and public health in the region. Today, the reservoirs are not only vital water sources but also popular recreational areas, offering a glimpse into Victorian engineering prowess amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Instagram

Visitors can still see remnants of the past, and the Longdendale Trail follows the path of a disused railway line, hinting at the historical transport infrastructure that supported the reservoir construction and maintenance. It’s a fascinating blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty.

Exploring the Longdendale Trail

The Longdendale Trail is a key feature for visitors to Torside Reservoir. This mostly flat, paved path follows the route of a former railway line, making it exceptionally accessible for walkers, runners, and cyclists. It offers a straightforward way to experience the reservoir's scale and the surrounding Peak District landscape. Instagram

Stretching for miles, the trail allows for flexible exploration. You can opt for a short, leisurely stroll or a longer trek, connecting to other parts of the valley. The path is well-maintained, providing a comfortable experience even for those with mobility challenges. InstagramReddit

Along the trail, you'll find opportunities to stop, rest on benches, and admire the views. It’s also a great route for families with children or anyone looking for a relaxed outdoor activity. The trail’s connection to Woodhead Reservoir offers a chance to extend your journey and discover more of the area's natural charm. Instagram

Nature and Wildlife at Torside Reservoir

Torside Reservoir and its surroundings are a haven for nature. The water body itself attracts various waterfowl, making it a pleasant spot for birdwatching. The surrounding hills and woodlands provide habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Instagram

During autumn, the deciduous trees along the reservoir's edge transform into a spectacle of color, offering a breathtaking visual experience for visitors. TikTok The area is also known for its peaceful atmosphere, providing a much-needed escape into nature, as highlighted by visitors seeking a break and appreciating 'God's beautiful creation'. TikTok

While the primary focus is often on the landscape, keep an eye out for smaller wildlife. The natural beauty of the Peak District is a significant draw, and Torside Reservoir is a prime example of its serene and picturesque qualities. Instagram

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