Blackstone and Warland Reservoir Circular

Barry Smith

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Start at the rough-surfaced car park, just before the White House Pub on the A58 Halifax Road, on Blackstone Edge Moor. You go onto the Pennine Way for the first stretch of the walk, with good views of the Calderdale Valley overlooking Littleborough, Todmorden and in the distance, Oldham, Rochdale and Manchester.
Warland Reservoir has three World War 2 barges sunken in it; they are on view from time to time, when the water level is low. They were joined together with cables to prevent seaplanes landing in the event of an invasion. After a visit to Stoodley Pike, if wished, you then follow the Warland Drain to the next of the reservoirs. After rejoining the Pennine Way, you retrace your steps to The White House to pass Light Hazzles Edge. This gives you the best of the panoramic views on the walk.

England - North England - Lancashire - Pennines

Features

Food Shop, Good for Wheelchairs, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Pub, Wildlife

8/31/2014 - Anthony Miller

Walked this at the end of August 2014. Very easy walking with just a couple of small muddy patches on the non Pennine Way section. Excellent views and the heather was in full bloom. The only downside is the pylons at the start of the walk, but these don't detract too much from this pleasant moorland ramble.

4/29/2014 - Janet Pickard

Tempted with this one Barry! Average rainfall so will give an honest rating.

10/29/2010 - Barry Smith

I agree that the walk can get quite muddy in wet conditions! But I have walked this on numerous occasions and only got the boot soles muddy! I think a 2 star rating is a bit harsh, after all, it isn't my fault the motor bikes have chewed the ground up! Don't let this put you off walking this route, if you want a fairly exposed 4 hours, without climbing and magnificent views, and don't mind muddy conditions, then this is for you!

10/28/2010 - Steve Barnes

Walked this September 2009. Agree completely with Grahame's comments - very muddy in parts which is a shame - had I known would not have started the walk. Nice walk but one for a period of dry weather.

4/4/2009 - Graham Percival

Nice walk with good views. It was very windy and certainly felt very much longer walking into the teeth of wind. Once you leave the Pennine Way and take the Reservoir Circular, the path quickly disappears. The ground is chewed up badly by motorbikes. Just before the ruined building at point 8, the path such as it is, becomes muddy bog. There is no way round at the moment, only ankle deep mud to plough through. Fortunately the wind soon dries everything!!

2/7/2005 - David Cooper

Very impressive for views, but try to avoid windy days!