Walking Maps

Black Moss

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Walk Description

There are no steep gradients on the walk and much of the walk is on hard surfaced tracks or tarmac road. However, the return leg of the route crosses fields, which may become muddy in wet weather. The middle section of the walk is along a country lane and care should be taken to ensure you are visible to drivers using the road. There are several gates and kissing gates to negotiate but, at the time of writing, no stiles.

1. On leaving the car park,walk through the picnic area and the village.
2. Take the second track on the right past the Methodist Church sign-posted ‘private road’ which leads to Black Moss Reservoirs.
3. At the junction turn right and follow the path to Blackmoss Road.
4. At the road turn left and continue along the road to the signpost on the left hand side, by a field gate. Take care on the road.
5. Turn left through the gate and follow the track, passing Salt Pie Farm, to Foot House Gate Farm.
6. At the farm, pass through the gate on the right. Take the path skirting the reservoir.
7. Follow the track past Over Houses, go over the bridge, and pass through the small gate on the right and back to Barley.

About this walk

The reservoir history

Both Upper and Lower Black Moss Reservoirs provide drinking water to Nelson when needed. Upper Black Moss, completed in1894, can hold 204,568 cubic meters (45 million gallons), has a surface area of 5.17 hectares (12.78 acres) and is 9.45m (31ft) deep.The lower reservoir was completed in 1903 and can hold 295,487cubic meters (65 million gallons), is 11.8m (41ft) deep with a surface area of 7.23 hectares (17.87 acres).

The plantations

7 hectares (91 acres) of forest around the reservoirs were planted before 1935. Part of Whitehough forest was planted in 1901 with Sycamore trees - the remainder, planted in 1935 with Sitka Spruce, Norway Spruce and Scots Pine. Slacks Wood and Heys Lane were planted in 1900 with Beech and Sycamore. Heys Lane was replanted in 1981.

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