Best lakes around Pendleton offer a variety of natural and man-made water bodies, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The area features a landscape shaped by water, with reservoirs built to supply local communities. These locations are often integrated into wider trail networks, making them accessible for exploration.
Last updated: April 20, 2026
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The Upper Ogden was completed in 1906 and has a surface area of 2.84 hectares and is 17.9 metres deep. As a very impressive spillway.
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Nice route round the back of Pendle to avoid the steep steps ascent
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Amazing reservoir and amazing to see the reflection of the trees and hills in the water on a quiet day.
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Upper Ogden Reservoir - pretty stunning !!! 🤩
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Water runs off the great whaleback of Pendle Hill, cascading down Ogden Clough and Boar Clough to reach the Ogden Reservoirs. Built to supply drinking water to nearby Nelson, the trails around the reservoirs are a delight and are often explored by those on the way up Pendle Hill. There are three plantations here too, including Fell Wood, with its spruces, pines and larches.
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These days a nature reserve and popular walking spot, Walverden Reservoir was built to supply water to the town of Nelson. Work was completed in 1869, damming the flow of Walverden Water. As Nelson's demands grew, a new reservoir was constructed at Coldwell in 1884 and again in 1935.
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Churn Clough Reservoir, constructed in the late 19th century and expanded during the 1920s, serves as a popular fishing destination. Encircling the reservoir, a well-maintained footpath offers a pleasant route for leisurely walks and exploration of the surrounding woodland.
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The most popular lakes in the area include Lower Ogden Reservoir, known for its historical significance and circular route potential, and the broader Ogden Reservoirs, which offer trails, viewpoints, and family-friendly access.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. The Ogden Reservoirs are noted for their family-friendly access and trails. Walverden Reservoir is also a popular walking spot and nature reserve, offering an easy walk for all ages. Churn Clough Reservoir also features a well-maintained footpath suitable for leisurely walks.
The lakes are primarily man-made reservoirs, but they are set within beautiful natural landscapes. At the Ogden Reservoirs, you'll find water cascading down from Pendle Hill, and three plantations, including Fell Wood with spruces, pines, and larches. Lower Ogden Reservoir is known for the stunning reflections of trees and hills in its water on a quiet day.
Absolutely. The lakes are often integrated into wider trail networks. For example, the track around Lower Ogden Reservoir can be linked with footpaths for circular routes, or extended to include Upper Ogden Reservoir. You can find many easy hiking options, such as the 'Churn Clough Reservoir loop from Sabden', which is 3.7 km long. Explore more hiking routes in the Easy hikes around Pendleton guide.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity in the area. While specific lake-side cycling paths aren't detailed for every reservoir, the region offers various cycling routes. For instance, you can find routes like 'Whalley Village Centre – Whalley Viaduct loop from Pendleton' (17.6 km, moderate) or 'Freemasons at Wiswell loop from Clitheroe' (11.2 km, easy). Check the Cycling around Pendleton guide for more options.
The terrain varies. Many routes, like those around Walverden Reservoir and Churn Clough Reservoir, offer easy, well-maintained footpaths suitable for leisurely walks. For those looking to avoid steep ascents, Upper Ogden Reservoir provides routes with gentler gradients. Some trails can be linked to more challenging routes, such as a loop of Pendle Hill.
Visitors frequently praise the serene atmosphere and scenic beauty, especially the reflections in the water at Lower Ogden Reservoir. The well-maintained footpaths and the opportunity to combine lake walks with longer routes, including those around Pendle Hill, are also highly appreciated. The area's appeal is reflected in over 80 upvotes and 60 photos shared by the komoot community.
Yes, many of the lakes are man-made reservoirs with a rich history. Lower Ogden Reservoir was built in the early 1900s to supply water to the surrounding area. Walverden Reservoir was completed in 1869 to supply water to the town of Nelson, and Churn Clough Reservoir was constructed in the late 19th century and expanded in the 1920s.
Yes, the region around Pendleton offers opportunities for gravel biking. While not directly on the lake shores, you can find routes such as 'Trail 8, Forest of Bowland – The 8 – Swoopy Section loop from Clitheroe' (53.2 km, difficult) or 'Cant Clough Reservoir – Hurstwood Reservoir loop from Burnley Barracks' (43 km, difficult). More options are available in the Gravel biking around Pendleton guide.
Yes, the Ogden Reservoirs specifically feature viewpoints that allow visitors to take in the scenic beauty of the man-made lakes and the surrounding landscape, including the impressive Pendle Hill.
For beginner hikers, Walverden Reservoir offers an easy walk, and the well-maintained footpath around Churn Clough Reservoir is also suitable for leisurely exploration. The routes around Upper Ogden Reservoir can also be chosen to avoid steep ascents, making them more accessible.
Still not found your perfect lake around Pendleton? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
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