Walking Maps

Stocks Reservoir

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Walk Description

1. School Lane Car Park makes a good starting point for the reservoir walk and also for many forest trails.
   The walk is approximately 8 miles through fields and woodlands.
2. Picnic area and former site of St Marys Church which was reconstructed at its present site.,
3. Bird Hide. Excellent observation point for many water related birds, ducks, geese, with the occasional rare visitor
4. Site of Birch Hill Farm. The small building is all that remains. Many farms became unviable when the reservoir was constructed and afforestation of the land took place.
5. Lock Bridge over Hasgill Beck carried the old road which would connect the farms of Hasgill, New House and Collyholme.
6. New House Farm. Whilst the house and barn are derelict, the land is still farmed.
7. New footbridge replacing one which was washed away when the River Hodder was in flood condition.
8. Ruined remains of Collyholme Farm.
9. Route of old railway track taking walkers to the Fishing Lodge.
10. The Fishing Lodge - fishing is available during the season. Refreshments can also be obtained when open.
11. Stocks Board House - formerly offices of the Fylde Water Board. Now United Utilities Bowland Estate Office.
12. Stocks Reservoir Dam with huge overflow returning water to the River Hodder.
13. At the far end of the dam, cross the stile to join the old railway track.
14. Follow the path around the edge of the reservoir.
15. Wildflower Meadow - during the summer this is a good site for many wild flowers, including Orchids.
16. Cross the stile and turn left along the road.
17. Follow the path behind the hedge on your left to your starting point at School Lane Car Park.

About this walk

The reservoir

Stocks reservoir was opened by HRH The Prince George on July 5th 1932. Annual rainfall here is about 1500mm (5 feet) and when full the reservoir covers an area of about 192 hectares, the equivalent of about 500 football pitches. After treatment, the water from Stocks goes mainly to the Fylde area of Lancashire.

Forestry

Gisburn Forest, to the north east of the reservoir, is a major part of the Stocks catchment area. The coniferous trees generate a useful raw material, contributing to the regional demand for timber. Small areas of ancient woodland are being supplemented by the creation of new native woodland providing a range of important wildlife habitats. The forest has also become an important recreation destination for locals and visitors alike.

Farming

The massive catchment area for the reservoir is split between three farms, all of which produce sheep as the mainstay. The principal breed is Swaledale and around 3000 animals are present for most of the year. It is important that visitors, especially those with dogs, take extra care to avoid disturbing the flocks.

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