The Forest of Bowland is packed with outdoor magic 🌲.
Among all the trails here, one of our top picks is the circular route around Stocks Reservoir.
This easy 10.8-kilometre loop takes you through ancient woods, stunning moorlands, and along the sparkling reservoir. Stocks is also famous for bird watching, drawing rare species all year long 🐦.
Plus, with a bunch of side trails branching out from the reservoir car park, this spot keeps calling you back—there’s always a new corner to discover 🌿.
Stocks Reservoir Circular Walk
Distance: 10.8 km (6.7 miles)
Time: 2½ – 3 hours ⏱️
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Stocks Reservoir Car Park, School Ln, Clitheroe BB7 4TS
Where to park for the Stocks Reservoir walk?
Stocks Reservoir Car Park is the easiest place to park and kick off your walk 🚗. Just £3 for the whole day, and you can peek at the map by the pay machine to see all the nearby trails.
If you want to skip the fee, you could try parking on the bridge along Hole House Lane, about 500 metres before the main car park.
But heads up—spots fill fast, so unless you’re there early, don’t count on finding one!
Stocks Reservoir walk information
Perfect for walkers of all levels, this moderate loop around Stocks Reservoir is simple to follow 🥾. Just look out for the blue-marked finger posts along the way.
You’ll stroll along a mix of stone and grassy paths, passing through kissing gates and stiles. When crossing local farmland, you might meet cattle and sheep, so keep a close eye on any furry friends you bring along 🐕.
Though mostly flat, the trail does have a few short but sharp sections worth noting ⛰️.
The steep drop just past New House Farm caught me off guard. It’s a quick slope down to the narrow footbridge over the River Hodder. On a frosty day, I embarrassingly slipped twice on my backside thanks to the icy path ❄️.
It was a good reminder to watch your step, especially in wet or frosty conditions.
Overall, the Stocks Reservoir walk isn’t tough and can be completed in under three hours at a relaxed pace. Less experienced walkers might feel a bit tired near the end, but for most, it’s an easy-going adventure.
5 facts you didn’t know about Stocks Reservoir
Fact 1
Stocks is the sole reservoir on United Utilities’ Bowland Estate, officially opened by Prince George on 5th July 1932 👑.
Fact 2
When full, the reservoir holds an impressive 2.5 billion gallons of water—nearly the equivalent of four Olympic swimming pools 💧.
Fact 3
The forest around Stocks Reservoir isn’t just beautiful—it’s practical too 🌳. The coniferous trees provide timber for the region, while the woodland creates a vital home for all kinds of wildlife.
Fact 4
Situated in the Forest of Bowland, many first-time visitors are surprised by how open the landscape feels 🌾. The term “forest” actually comes from its history as a medieval royal hunting ground, where it meant hunting rights rather than the dense woods we think of today.
Fact 5
Stocks Reservoir was once home to a small village called Stocks, which sank beneath the waters in 1932 🌊. Today, you can enjoy a beautiful picnic spot built on the old site of St Mary’s Church. Just a short walk from the car park, it offers stunning views of the reservoir—perfect for a meal with a view!
Is Stocks Reservoir pram friendly?
Unfortunately, the stiles, kissing gates, and rugged paths around Stocks Reservoir aren’t ideal for a pram 🚼. However, some of the alternative trails into Gisburn Forest from the car park are much more stroller-friendly.
Other Stocks Reservoir walks
While at Stocks Reservoir, don’t miss the map in the car park showing several colour-coded walking routes nearby 🗺️.
All reachable on foot, one of my favourite hikes here is the Gisburn Forest Waterfall walk—truly a hidden gem!
Comment (0)