Watergrove Reservoir Circular – Dog Friendly Walk

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Watergrove Reservoir Circular – Dog Friendly Walk

By Nazmine Maguire

Distance

3.85 km

Time

1h 15 minutes

Difficulty

Medium

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Published on March 10, 2026 2 min read

The reason I love this walk for my dog, Dexter, is because it has a bit of everything to enjoy, such as a beautiful scenic reservoir, woodlands and bridges, rivers, a variety of plants and trees, a bird hide, moorlands, and a great car park.

Dexter loves hunting for treats!

I prefer to do a circular route rather than a there and back, and this route can vary if you choose the shorter path, from 1:08 to 45 minutes. You could also extend the walk to enjoy hours of moorlands and the paths are all sign posted, with all of the footpaths on the OS maps app.

There are usually sheep grazing on the top of the cobbled road midway through the walk, so be sure to keep your dog on a lead. The views at this section open up into the most stunning panoramic vista, what’s not to love?

My children also enjoy this route and it is definitely my go to when I’d like to immerse myself and dexter on an interesting, stimulating dog walk.

Watergrove Reservoir: Frequently Asked Questions

Photo © Steven Haslington

Where is Watergrove Reservoir?
Watergrove Reservoir sits near the village of Wardle in the Borough of Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

When was the reservoir built?
Construction took place throughout the 1930s, and the reservoir officially opened on 6 April 1938.

Why was the reservoir created?
It was built to secure Rochdale’s drinking‑water supply after extended droughts in the 1930s and to provide much‑needed employment during a difficult period for local communities.

What happened to the original village of Watergrove?
The Victorian village of Watergrove, home to roughly 300 residents, was demolished and submerged to make way for the reservoir. Around 30 surrounding farms were also cleared. The community once included Watergrove Mill, a Methodist church and a public house known as The Orchard.

Can you still see any remains of the old village?
During periods of extreme drought, old roads, building foundations and parts of the mill occasionally reappear around the reservoir edges.

Where to Park for the Watergrove Circular Route
Watergrove Reservoir Car Park (Ramsden Road)
Park in the free car park at the southern end of Watergrove Reservoir, located on Ramsden Road, Wardle (postcode: OL12 9LB).

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By Nazmine Maguire

Meet Nazmine Maguire, an outdoor activity instructor with a passion for maps (and altitude!) Find out all about her on her OS Champions Profile Page

OS Champion Nazmine Maguire