Highlight • Lake
Hiking
4.8
(24)
Bosley Reservoir is a significant freshwater lake nestled in Cheshire East, England, close to the Staffordshire border and the scenic Peak District National Park. Situated at an elevation of approximately 228 meters, this historic body of water was originally constructed to feed the Macclesfield Canal system, particularly the impressive flight of twelve Bosley Locks. It's a prominent landmark in the local landscape, drawing water from the surrounding hills, including the distinctive Bosley Cloud.
Visitors consistently praise the reservoir for its…
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Bosley Reservoir
4.7
(9)
51
hikers
5.14km
01:19
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(6)
37
hikers
9.09km
02:39
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
38
hikers
12.4km
03:33
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 230 m
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Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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While there isn't a dedicated official website solely for Bosley Reservoir, comprehensive information about the reservoir and the surrounding Macclesfield Canal system is available through the Canal & River Trust, which manages the waterway. You can often find details on their site regarding facilities, events, and conservation efforts in the area.
Bosley Reservoir is very dog-friendly, and dogs are welcome on the circular path. To ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors and to protect local wildlife, it's generally recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near nesting birds or livestock in adjacent fields. Always clean up after your dog.
There is free parking available at Bosley Reservoir. However, it can fill up quickly, particularly on sunny weekends and during peak holiday seasons. To secure a spot and enjoy a more peaceful experience, arriving earlier in the morning is highly recommended.
Beyond the accessible circular walk, families can enjoy wildlife spotting, particularly various waterfowl. The proximity to the historic Bosley Locks on the Macclesfield Canal offers an interesting educational side trip, where children can watch canal boats navigate the impressive flight of twelve locks. It's also a great spot for a picnic with scenic views.
The main circular walk around Bosley Reservoir is approximately 1.5 to 2 miles (2.4 to 3.2 km) long. For most walkers, this takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour at a leisurely pace, allowing time to enjoy the views and observe wildlife.
The circular path around Bosley Reservoir is generally wide, well-maintained, and flat, making it highly suitable for pushchairs and most wheelchairs. The even surface ensures good accessibility for a wide range of visitors.
While there is a pub conveniently located nearby, options for additional cafes or eateries directly adjacent to the reservoir are limited. However, the nearby villages of Bosley and North Rode, or the larger town of Macclesfield a short drive away, offer a wider selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
Yes, Bosley Reservoir is suitable for winter hikes. The main circular path remains accessible, offering crisp views and a tranquil atmosphere. However, paths can be muddy or icy in places, so appropriate footwear is essential. The surrounding hills, including Bosley Cloud, can look particularly dramatic under a winter sky.
Absolutely. For those seeking longer or more challenging routes, you can easily connect to the Macclesfield Canal towpath, which offers miles of flat walking. Additionally, local footpaths lead into the surrounding hills, including routes up to Bosley Cloud, providing more strenuous climbs and expansive views across the Cheshire plain and towards the Peak District.
Beyond the reservoir itself, visitors can explore the impressive Bosley Lock Flight on the Macclesfield Canal, a significant piece of canal engineering. The reservoir's valve house, built in 1831 with distinctive cyclopean stonework, is a Grade II listed structure. From various points, you can also enjoy views of the prominent gritstone hill, Bosley Cloud, and on clear days, even spot the Jodrell Bank Observatory dishes.
No, wild swimming is generally not permitted in Bosley Reservoir. Reservoirs are operational bodies of water with hidden dangers such as cold temperatures, strong currents, and underwater machinery. For safety reasons, it's best to admire the water from the shore.