Syke - Watergrove - Syke

alec jackson

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

This walk of just over nine kilometres takes you out of Syke up towards the moorland above Rochdale with 'highs' and 'lows'. It follows parts of several long-distance paths towards Watergrove Reservoir. It then follows paths and tracks back to the start point via a valley.

This walk can be split into two sections as follows:

Section 1) 'Highs'. It starts in Syke with easy access for both driving and public transport. It climbs on a well-used broad track up to the heights above Rochdale using part of the Rossendale Way. Upon reaching the highest point of the walk it follows part of the Pennine Bridleway and the Rochdale Way before heading down to Watergrove Reservoir through a nature reserve. There are excellent views across the reservoir towards Manchester and also views of Yorkshire. On a clear day, looking further afield you may be able to see hills in Clwyd and Snowdonia as well as parts of the Peak District and Cheshire. Using binoculars you could see Manchester City and United football grounds. This section is well signposted from Waymark 03.

Section 2) 'Lows'. The second section goes around part of the reservoir and then along footpaths up and down hillocks, alongside two streams, a small reservoir and a pond before returning to the start point. To give some perspective on how long the reservoir embankment is, it would take a world-class middle-distance runner just under two minutes to cover the distance between Waymarks 13 and 14. There are not many footpath signs on this section of the walk but it is quite easy to follow using the directions and photos.

This is a perfect walk for those looking for great views with easy access from the city and a good walk for dog-owners because there are few stiles and lots of open countryside for the dogs to run around in.

England - North England - Manchester - Countryside