Just north of Heywood, in Rochdale’s wide rolling grasslands, you’ll find Greenbooth Reservoir — a breathtaking embankment hiding a powerful past that most people have completely forgotten 🌄
Today, walkers head to this Greater Manchester dam for its calm vibe and postcard-worthy views, but years ago it stood as Greenbooth Village — a historic community that now rests demolished and hidden beneath the reservoir’s shimmering waters.
From here, you’ll catch unreal views stretching across Manchester, Yorkshire, and the rolling countryside, and with four reservoirs all linked by the Greenbooth Circular Trail, it’s the kind of spot that turns a simple walk into a full-on adventure 🌿
Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
Location: Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Starting Point: Forsyth Lane, Rochdale, OL12 7TL
Grid Reference: SD 8556 1548
It’s a smooth and easy ramble, so kick things off at Greenbooth Reservoir and follow the chilled looping trail as it wraps around all four embankments. Ready to tick them off one by one? 👣
- Greenbooth Reservoir
- Naden Lower Reservoir
- Naden Middle Reservoir
- Naden Higher Reservoir
How hard is the Greenbooth Reservoir walk?
The trail stays mostly well-paved and flat the whole way, but you’ll hit a couple of short steep climbs and drops that might test your legs for a moment 💪
This trail keeps things nice and easy overall, which makes Greenbooth Reservoir perfect for all levels and especially popular with families, but keep in mind that a few sections aren’t ideal for prams or strollers.
When the rain hits, parts of the path can turn pretty muddy, so make sure you lace up proper walking boots and come prepared 👟
Not feeling the full four-dam loop? No stress at all. The interlinked footpaths let you switch things up, shorten the route, and explore only the reservoirs that catch your eye.
Greenbooth Reservoir waterfall
On the south-west side of Greenbooth Reservoir, you’ll spot a small cascading waterfall that seriously comes alive after heavy rainfall, giving walkers a pretty epic show 🌊
Stick to the main trail and it’ll guide you down a steep set of steps into a tucked-away woodland with a rocky gorge vibe. Once you reach the bottom, you really can’t miss it.
If you’re visiting during dry weather though, don’t be surprised if the waterfall is reduced to nothing more than a light trickle.
History of Greenbooth Village & Reservoir
Greenbooth Reservoir stands on land that once held Greenbooth Village, and in 1958 the local water board began building the dam, a move that forced the historic community to leave before it was ultimately demolished.
The area had already housed Naden Lower, Naden Middle, and Naden Higher Reservoir since 1846, but Rochdale’s fast-growing population pushed demand higher, so officials decided another embankment had to rise.
After two solid years of construction, the reservoir reached completion in 1961, with what remained of Greenbooth Village resting deep beneath its glistening waters. It officially opened in August 1965.
Local resident Terry Tomlinson, who remembers the village in its prime, shared that many residents didn’t want to leave or hand it over, and authorities placed their homes under compulsory purchase.
As you stroll around the reservoir, don’t miss the plaque on the dam wall that says:
“This tablet commemorates the village of Greenbooth, the site of which is submerged beneath the waters of this reservoir.”
Where do I park to walk around Greenbooth Reservoir?
As you make your way around the reservoir, keep your eyes peeled for a plaque fixed to the dam wall. It reads:
“This tablet commemorates the village of Greenbooth, the site of which is submerged beneath the waters of this reservoir.”
There are two main parking spots for Greenbooth Reservoir, and the best part? Both are completely free 🚗
We usually park on the west side along Over Town Lane. Just head up from the White Lion on Edenfield Road and pull in beside the reservoir.
If you prefer, there’s also an official car park on the eastern side of the embankment along Forsyth Lane.
Greenbooth never gets overly packed, so finding a space at either spot is usually quick and easy.
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