Turton and Entwistle Reservoir

Turton and Entwistle Reservoir is perhaps the best-looking lake in the area with it’s often flat waters and pine tree woods that are reminiscent of places in further north in comparison to the rough moorland surrounding other local lakes.

There is a good and broad walking path on the East side of the lake that was once the site of tramway leading to the quarries at the northernmost-end of the valley. There are some interesting remains of the industrial age there including the base of an old quarry crane and scant remains of an old Mill.

The reservoir at Entrwistle is a good place to look for wildlife as there are often visiting birds and a substantial heronry on the West side. The waters are quite clear but with the usual dark, brown peat and iron content that is typical of the area.

Under the Turton and Entwistle Reservoir Act of 1832 2 William IV, c. xxiv, Commissioners were appointed for “making and maintaining a Reservoir upon the Bradshaw Brook in the Townships of Turton and Entwistle… for providing a more regular supply of Water in Bradshaw Brook … and in certain Rivers connected therewith” Eagley, Irwell and Mersey. A further Act of 1838 1 Victoria, c. xxx enabled the Commissioners to raise additional funds for the completion of the project. They continued to administer the Reservoir until 1866, when their powers were transferred to Bolton Borough Council under the provisions of the Bolton Improvement Act of 1864 27 & 28 Victoria, c. cci