Van Miles

If you’re looking for a peaceful waterside walk with beautiful scenery, woodland paths and very few crowds, a circular walk around Stocks Reservoir is well worth adding to your list.

I chose to park on the bridge near the reservoir as it was lovely and quiet, although there is also parking available at the main Stocks Reservoir car park for £3.

Setting off from the bridge and walking away from the main car park, I took the right-hand path into the woods. The walk begins through a beautiful wooded area, with birdsong accompanying me as I followed the trail. Keeping right, the trees eventually opened up and the reservoir came into view on my right-hand side.

The route then crosses open grazing land, where sheep were roaming freely, so my dog stayed on the lead through this section. Before long, I reached a viewpoint overlooking the reservoir – the perfect spot to stop and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Continuing on, the path joins a quiet country road before leading back towards the reservoir through a touching memorial tree planting area. Shortly afterwards, there is access to a portable toilet, which is useful if you’re planning a longer walk.

One of my favourite moments came when I found my first opportunity to sit beside the water. It made the perfect picnic stop, with uninterrupted views across the reservoir and barely another person in sight.

The walk continues through farmland, with the reservoir remaining on your right for some time. Eventually, the water disappears from view as the track crosses fields, stone paths and a series of steps. There are several kissing gates along the route, but thankfully no stiles, making it a much easier walk for many people and dogs.

After crossing a small bridge over a stream, I was met with the steepest climb of the walk. It’s fairly short but quite sharp, and I did think it might be easier tackling the route in the opposite direction and walking down this section instead.

As I descended through the next field, the reservoir once again came back into view.

The route then passes through another wooded section before reaching the main Stocks Reservoir car park. As you reach the road, look out for a small woodland path on the right which leads all the way back to the bridge where I had parked.

The full circular route took me around 3 hours to complete at a leisurely pace, including plenty of stops for photographs and a relaxing picnic by the reservoir. The walk is approximately 7 miles (11 km), although this may vary slightly depending on the exact paths taken.

After the walk, there’s also a café at Gisburn Forest Hub, making it the ideal place to stop for a well-earned coffee and cake.

Walk Highlights

• Approximately 7 miles (11 km)
• Around 3 hours at a leisurely pace
• Peaceful woodland sections
• Beautiful reservoir views
• Dog-friendly route
• Several picnic opportunities
• No stiles, only kissing gates
• Café nearby at Gisburn Forest
• Main car park costs £3

This walk combines woodland, open farmland and stunning waterside scenery, making it one of my favourite easy-to-moderate walks in the Forest of Bowland. Perfect for anyone wanting a quieter alternative to some of Lancashire’s busier beauty spots.