Best lakes around Brierfield are predominantly man-made reservoirs situated within the scenic Lancashire landscape. This region in England offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities amidst hills and moorland. The area is characterized by its picturesque water bodies, which are popular for activities such as walking, watersports, and nature observation. These reservoirs contribute significantly to the outdoor appeal of the Brierfield vicinity.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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Get to know this 9.5-km circular trail near Burnley, Lancashire. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 38 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
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Amazing reservoir and amazing to see the reflection of the trees and hills in the water on a quiet day.
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Lower Ogden Reservoir was built in the early 1900's to supply water to the surrounding area. The track to the north can be linked with footpaths to the south so that you can run around the reservoir from Barley. You can also extend the run and take in Upper Ogden Reservoir or use this as the start or finishing section for a brilliant loop of Pendle Hill.
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Clowbridge Reservoir has some great walking trails around the lake plus an orienteering course. It's home to a sailing club and angling association so there tends to be things going on as well as the wildlife.
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Lower Ogden Reservoir was built in the early 1900's to supply water to the surrounding area.
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Was there a week ago and the bottom half of the trail has been ruined by the weather and hooligan trail builders. i would give it a miss.
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You can walk around the water but dogs are not allowed on this pathway.
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If you're feeling spectacularly energetic, just west of the dam here there are some swoopy mountain bike trails. They're not long - just over a mile, but they can provide some welcome entertainment. Although there's a carpark at the other end of them, there are no facilities, so bring plenty of food and water. As an aside, though, the trails are also excellent for younger kids to earn their mountain biking stripes on.
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The most popular lake for a variety of outdoor activities is Clowbridge Reservoir. It offers a 3 km accessible circular walk, a 9.5 km moderately challenging route, and is a hub for watersports like sailing and windsurfing. It's also popular for birding, fishing, and orienteering.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Clowbridge Reservoir has an accessible 3 km circular walk suitable for families. Hurstwood Reservoir is also considered family-friendly, and Lower Ogden Reservoir offers tracks that can be linked for easier walks.
You'll find a range of walking trails. Clowbridge Reservoir features both a 3 km accessible circular path and a longer 9.5 km route. Lower Ogden Reservoir allows you to link tracks for walks around the water or extend to Upper Ogden Reservoir and Pendle Hill. Other options include Turton and Entwistle Reservoir (4km), Anglezarke Reservoir (7.5km with historical ruins), and Calf Hey Reservoir (3.5km).
Yes, Clowbridge Reservoir is a significant hub for watersports. It's home to the Rossendale Valley Sailing Club, and visitors can engage in sailing, windsurfing, and fishing there.
Several reservoirs are excellent for birdwatching. Clowbridge Reservoir is a great spot to see ducks, swans, and herons. Upper and Lower Black Moss Reservoirs are also known for birdwatching, and Stocks Reservoir in the Forest of Bowland is considered one of Lancashire's best bird-watching locations.
Yes, Clowbridge Reservoir is accessible via the X43 Witch Way bus route, in addition to having a car park.
Yes, many of the lakes are man-made reservoirs with historical significance. For example, Lower Ogden Reservoir was built in the early 1900s to supply water to the surrounding area. Anglezarke Reservoir also features historical ruins along its 7.5km route.
The area offers various cycling routes. For gravel biking, you can explore routes like the 'Cant Clough Reservoir – Hebden Bridge Canal Basin loop' or the 'Cant Clough Reservoir – Hurstwood Reservoir loop'. Road cyclists can find routes such as 'Downham Village – Nick of Pendle loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Gravel biking around Brierfield, Road Cycling Routes around Brierfield, and Cycling around Brierfield guides.
While many areas are popular with dog walkers, it's important to check specific regulations. For instance, dogs are generally not allowed on the immediate pathway around Clowbridge Reservoir, but there are ample surrounding spaces for pets to explore.
The lakes around Brierfield are beautiful to visit year-round. The trails at Clowbridge Reservoir, for example, are open all year. Each season offers a different experience, from lush greenery in spring and summer to vibrant autumn colors and tranquil winter scenes.
Cant Clough Reservoir offers intermediate viewpoints, including views towards the windfarm at Bent's Pasture. Many of the reservoirs, like Upper and Lower Black Moss, also provide scenic views, particularly from higher ground like Pendle Hill.
Yes, for those seeking more challenging routes, trails branch off from reservoirs like Clowbridge Reservoir into the surrounding hills and moorland, connecting to paths like the Rossendale Way and the Burnley Way. The 9.5 km circular trail at Clowbridge is considered moderately challenging, and Lower Gorple Reservoir Descent is noted as a challenging trail.


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