LET’S TAKE THE DOG
Making the most of the late nights and brief heatwave, Tim Adams of Bowland Walks takes the dogs and heads to Stocks Reservoir after a hard day’s work
Terrain: Dry but gets muddy after rain
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Easy/medium
The circular route is roughly seven miles and can be done in about two-and-a-half hours at a good pace. I changed the end of the classic route by walking on the road for the final stretch, as I had been a tasty treat to horse-flies and wanted to avoid the trees as I’d already given enough blood!
Park at School Lane car park (SD 732 565) and head north through the kissing gate. The path is easy to follow and good underfoot.
Head over Lock Bridge on Haskill Beck (SD 724 573) and the path ascends up to New House Farm, which is a derelict barn.
At the barn take a left and the path will meander down to a footbridge across the River Hodder (SD 718 578). After the footbridge there are plenty of marker posts directing you through Copped Hill Clough, which has been flagged to keep you out of the bog.
Continue along the old railway track (SD 714 573) until you reach the fishery, also known as Hollins House.
Take a moment to admire the views at the jetty and also grab a drink if you fancy (seasonal), then head up to the road where you will pass the signs warning you about frogs!
(SD 717 548) At Stocks Boardhouse apartments go through the kissing gate and head towards the dam. Then follow the wall by the reservoir until you reach the steps and turn left after descending.
Rejoin the old railway track and enjoy the views across the reservoir to your left. Stay on this track for about one mile.
At the time I did this walk there was a sign on the gate warning about tree felling so I carefully made my way through the woods. You may find this has changed by the time you take the walk. After a short distance the path emerges at the road near the causeway.
From here I walked back to the car park along the road. However, after the causeway you can take the path on the left, which also eventually joins School Lane car park.
