Van Miles

If you’re looking for a peaceful waterside walk that’s easy to follow and suitable for most abilities, the Entwistle Reservoir Walk is a fantastic choice.

Located on the edge of Bolton, this scenic circular walk takes you through beautiful woodland and around the tranquil reservoir. It’s mostly flat, has no stiles or steps, offers plenty of benches to enjoy the views, and is perfect for a relaxing stroll with your dog.

Whether you’re visiting for an hour in nature or making it part of a day out, Entwistle Reservoir is one of the area’s hidden gems.

Quick Information

• Location: Entwistle Reservoir, near Bolton
• Postcode: BL7 0LU
• Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles (4 km)
• Time: Around 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Mainly gravel paths and woodland tracks
• Suitable for: Dogs, families and most abilities
• Accessibility: No stiles or steps
• Parking: Free

Parking

There are two free car parks serving the reservoir. The main car park is located at the entrance to the walk, with a second smaller car park nearby if the first is full.

Together they provide approximately 30 parking spaces. Parking is free, although it can fill up quickly on sunny weekends and bank holidays.

Postcode: BL7 0LU

The Walk

The circular walk is approximately 2.5 miles and is easy to follow from the main car park.

The route follows the edge of the reservoir, offering beautiful views across the water almost from the moment you set off. Wide gravel paths make for easy walking, while the surrounding woodland provides welcome shade on warmer days.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this walk was how peaceful it felt. There are plenty of benches dotted around the route, making it easy to stop, relax and simply enjoy the scenery.

As you continue around the reservoir, the path winds through mature woodland before returning to more open waterside views. The changing scenery keeps the walk interesting throughout.

The route is mostly flat with no stiles and no steps, making it suitable for a wide range of walkers.

Is It Dog Friendly?

Yes. This is an excellent walk for dogs.

The woodland paths and reservoir make it a great place to explore, although it’s worth keeping dogs under control as there is plenty of wildlife around the water.

Don’t forget to bring water for your dog during warmer weather.

Facilities

Before you visit, it’s worth knowing:

• Free parking
• Approximately 30 parking spaces across two car parks
• Plenty of benches around the route
• No public toilets
• No café at the reservoir
• Mobile phone signal is poor in places, so it’s worth downloading your route before you arrive if you’re using your phone for navigation.

Can You Cycle Around Entwistle Reservoir?

Cycling is allowed on parts of the route, but I personally wouldn’t recommend cycling the full circuit.

One section of the path becomes quite narrow when meeting walkers, making it less enjoyable for everyone. If you do choose to cycle, you may prefer using some of the wider woodland paths where possible.

Best Time to Visit

Entwistle Reservoir is lovely throughout the year.

Spring brings fresh woodland colours and birdsong, summer offers peaceful waterside walks beneath the trees, autumn is stunning as the woodland turns golden, and winter provides a quieter atmosphere with beautiful reflections across the reservoir.

Things to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Drinking water
• Camera
• Dog water and treats if bringing your dog
• A picnic if the weather is nice

Nearby Places to Visit

If you’re making a day of it, these places are all within a short drive:

• Wayoh Reservoir
• Jumbles Country Park
• Turton Tower
• The Strawbury Duck

Final Thoughts

Entwistle Reservoir is one of those walks that doesn’t need dramatic hills or long distances to be enjoyable. The peaceful woodland, beautiful reservoir views and easy terrain make it perfect for anyone wanting to spend an hour outdoors.

I particularly liked the relaxed atmosphere, the number of benches where you can stop and take in the views, and the fact that there are no stiles or steps to negotiate.

If you’re looking for an easy, dog-friendly circular walk near Bolton with free parking and beautiful scenery, Entwistle Reservoir is well worth a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Entwistle Reservoir Walk?
The circular route is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) and takes around one hour.

Is Entwistle Reservoir dog friendly?
Yes. It’s a popular place for dog walking with mostly flat, easy paths.

Are there toilets?
No, there are currently no public toilets at the reservoir.

Is parking free?
Yes. There are two free car parks with around 30 spaces in total.

Is the walk suitable for beginners?
Yes. The route is mostly flat with no stiles or steps, making it ideal for beginners and anyone looking for a gentle walk.