GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Swineshaw Reservoir

5 miles (8 km)

Enjoy a circular walk around the Swineshaw Reservoirs on this route on the Pennine Moors.
Start the walk from the car park at Walkerwood Reservoir on Brushes Road. You can then follow the Pennine Bridleway east past Brushes Reservoir to the Higher and Lower Swineshaw Reservoirs. The route then follows footpaths around the Lower Reservoir before climbing to Hollingworthall Moor. Other paths then descend back to Walkerwood and the car park.
The reservoirs are located within the Stalybridge Country Park where there are more footpaths to try.

Postcode

SK15 3QP - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Swineshaw Reservoir OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Swineshaw Reservoir Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Hare & Hounds pub is located a short distance from the site in Millbrook. They do good food and have a small garden area too. You can find it a short stroll north west from the car park at 394 Huddersfield Rd with a postcode of SK15 3ET for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The long distance Tameside Trail passes the reservoir. The 30 mile circular walk explores several of the highlights of the River Tame Valley.
The circular walk to Alphin Pike passes to the north of the reservoir. If you follow the trail north west it will take you up to the hill top where there are some fine views over the area. You will also pass Wimbury Rocks and Indian Head where there are some photogenic rock formations.

Photos

Pennine Bridleway, Higher Swineshaw Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 569069

Pennine Bridleway, Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. Heading east along the dam wall of the reservoir. Higher Swineshaw Reservoir is the highest of four reservoirs in the Swineshaw Brook valley at about 300 metres above sea level.

Lower Swineshaw Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 314063

Lower Swineshaw Reservoir. View SW over to Manchester.

Upper Swineshaw Reservoir - geograph.org.uk - 135885

Upper Swineshaw Reservoir. Pennine Bridleway sign. Snow on the hills behind.

The south side of the Swineshaw valley - geograph.org.uk - 1725728

The south side of the Swineshaw valley. This is the eastern ridge of Hollingworthall Moor. I am surprised that there are no sheep in this shot because the land is well grazed.

Upper Swineshaw Reflections - geograph.org.uk - 81547

Upper Swineshaw Reflections. Just a light breeze ruffling the surface of the reservoir ripples its mirror-like quality on this bright, but chilly, November morning.

Boar Flat - geograph.org.uk - 1104964

Boar Flat. Higher Swineshaw Reservoir in the next square is in the middle distance.

GPS Files

GPX File

Swineshaw Reservoir.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Swineshaw Reservoir.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)