Top 20 Lakes around Horwich
Best lakes around Horwich are situated within the Bolton metropolitan borough, offering a variety of natural and man-made water bodies. The area features several reservoirs, historically built for water supply, alongside natural flashes formed by mining subsidence. These locations provide diverse landscapes, from mature woodlands to open waters, suitable for various outdoor pursuits. Horwich's lakes are notable for their historical engineering, ecological significance, and recreational opportunities.
Best lakes around Horwich
- The most popular lakes is Entwistle Reservoir, a lake that holds historical significance with its dam designed by Thomas Ashworth and overseen by Jesse Hartley. The dam was the highest in England when constructed and features a unique rock-cut outlet tunnel.
- Another must-see spot is Scotman's Flash, a lake and natural monument. Visitors can expect beautiful views, diverse wildlife including rare plant species and migrating birds, and opportunities for water sports like canoeing and sailing.
- Visitors also love Roddlesworth Reservoirs, known for their beautiful, mature deciduous woodland. The paths around these reservoirs are ideal for relaxed rides and walks, offering a peaceful natural setting.
- Horwich is known for its reservoirs and flashes, which are often surrounded by woodlands or are designated sites of scientific interest. There is a variety of lakes to see and explore, from historical water supply systems to ecologically rich wetlands.
- The lakes around Horwich are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 260 upvotes and over 90 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Entwistle Reservoir
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Records suggest it was built entirely of puddle clay with no distinct core. Earth dams usually have a waterproof cutoff under their earthworks designed to stop seepage under the dam but it is doubtful whether there was any such a cutoff at Entwistle. The reservoir has a rock-cut outlet tunnel driven through the valley side rather than a culvert or pipeline and a siphon draw-off pipe. The dam is 108 ft high and 110 metres long at the crest. The present overflow channel and valve tower were added by the Bolton Corporation Water Works who took over the reservoir in 1864.
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The Japanese Garden
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Scotman's Flash
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Roddlesworth Reservoirs
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Lower Rivington Reservoir
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Tips from the Community
The path around the reservoir is worthwhile. It's used by many runners and dog walkers. Unfortunately, the reservoir is currently low on water.
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this place really does have it all! be it hiking around the reservoirs up to the pike, gravel riding on the trails and the roads around the area are great. There are plenty of café there too. Also go wild or ape tree top and ariel slides if that's what your in too.
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A lovely, easy walk along reservoir shores, with wooded borders that look beautiful in autumn sunshine
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The engineer for the Rivington reservoirs was Thomas Hawksley and construction for the Liverpool Corporation Waterworks took place between 1852 and 1857. The Lower Rivington reservoir has two dams - the Millstone Embankment, which is 2,120 feet (646 m) long and 40-foot (12.2 m) high, and the Horwich Embankment, which is 1,660 feet (506 m) long and 61-foot (18.6 m) high. Filter beds were constructed at the foot of the Horwich Embankment, The original sand filters were replaced by a new treatment plant from where a pipeline runs to the service reservoirs at Eccleston, St Helens. The River Douglas was diverted through a paved channel in a deep cutting into Lower Rivington.
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A Flash is a unique industrial legacy to Wigan and there are many around the Wigan area. Each are lakes formed as a result of mining subsidence. Scotsmans flash the largest of the “Wigan Flashes” is a designated site of scientific interest. This is due to the abundance of rare plant species, several species of orchid, extensive reed beds and migrating birds such as Reed and Sedge Warbler. Scotsmans flash is a beautiful place for a stop to enjoy the views.
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Scotman's Flash is just 10 minutes from the centre of Wigan featuring a huge lake and lots of exciting experiences for everyone to enjoy. Scotman's Flash is the perfect place for water sports, whether you’re brand new to canoeing, sailing and kayaking or want to get your game on with courses and qualifications to match your skills.
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Lower Rivington Reservoir is at the end of the Rivington chain of reservoirs in Lancashire, England, with Upper Rivington Reservoir to the north, and Rivington Water Treatment Works to the south. The Rivington chain primarily supplies 70,000 households in the Wigan area. The chain was built to supply Liverpool.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical engineering can I explore around Horwich's lakes?
The region's lakes, particularly the reservoirs, boast significant historical engineering. For instance, Entwistle Reservoir features a dam designed by Thomas Ashworth and overseen by Jesse Hartley, which was once the highest in England. It includes a unique rock-cut outlet tunnel. Similarly, Lower Rivington Reservoir, part of the Rivington chain, was constructed between 1852 and 1857 to supply water to Liverpool, featuring two notable embankments.
Are there family-friendly lakes for outings near Horwich?
Yes, several lakes are well-suited for family visits. Entwistle Reservoir, Scotman's Flash, and Lower Rivington Reservoir are all categorized as family-friendly. The areas around these lakes often have paths suitable for relaxed walks and offer various attractions, including cafes and even Go Ape tree-top adventures near Rivington.
Where can I find diverse wildlife and natural beauty around Horwich's lakes?
Scotman's Flash is an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts. It's a designated site of scientific interest due to its abundance of rare plant species, several types of orchids, extensive reed beds, and migrating birds like the Reed and Sedge Warbler. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs are also known for their beautiful, mature deciduous woodland, offering a verdant landscape for walks.
What water sports are available on the lakes near Horwich?
Scotman's Flash is a hub for water sports. You can enjoy canoeing, sailing, and kayaking there, with courses and qualifications available for those looking to enhance their skills.
Are there good places for walking or cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely. The paths around Roddlesworth Reservoirs are ideal for relaxed rides and walks through beautiful mature deciduous woodland. Entwistle Reservoir also offers easy walking paths. For more structured routes, you can explore various running trails, road cycling routes, and gravel biking routes that pass by these lakes.
Which lakes are dog-friendly for walks?
The Roddlesworth Reservoirs are noted as dog-friendly, welcoming dog-walkers as long as hounds are kept on a lead. Many of the general walking trails around the reservoirs in the Horwich area are suitable for dogs.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the lakes?
Yes, the area around Lower Rivington Reservoir is well-equipped with cafes. Entwistle Reservoir also has a coffee shop nearby, along with two pubs, making it convenient for refreshments during your visit.
What kind of views can I expect around the lakes?
The lakes offer a variety of picturesque views. Scotman's Flash provides beautiful open water vistas, while the Roddlesworth Reservoirs are framed by mature deciduous woodland. The Rivington chain, including Lower Rivington Reservoir, offers expansive views and opportunities to explore nearby attractions like Rivington Pike for panoramic scenery.
Can I find unique garden features near the lakes?
Yes, near the Rivington area, you can discover The Japanese Garden. This spot offers a brilliant little walk with lots to see, including lakes and Levers Bridge, making it a great place for a picnic and unique scenery.
What are the best options for gravel biking around the lakes?
The trails around the Horwich lakes are excellent for gravel biking. You can find routes like the one connecting Entwistle Reservoir to Belmont Reservoir, or the route from Rivington Pike to the Liverpool Castle Replica Ruins. For more options, explore the dedicated gravel biking guide for Horwich.
What makes the lakes around Horwich unique compared to other reservoir areas?
Unlike some reservoirs surrounded by desolate hills, the lakes around Horwich, particularly the Roddlesworth Reservoirs, are distinct for their beautiful, mature deciduous woodland. This creates a more verdant and inviting landscape for visitors. Additionally, 'flashes' like Scotman's Flash are unique industrial legacies formed by mining subsidence, offering ecological richness.
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