LANCASHIRE CIRCULAR WALK / THREE RESERVOIRS & A MEDIEVAL TOWER
Warpers Trail Walk: Lancashire’s Reservoirs, Tower and Weaver’s Country
Walk out from Entwistle Reservoir into a landscape shaped by water, woodland and weaving. This wonderfully varied Lancashire circuit links Turton Tower, old mill hamlets, Edgworth village, Wayoh Reservoir and the quieter northern edge of Entwistle across one memorable day on foot.
The route at a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing.
Most visitors come to Entwistle Reservoir for a gentle lap of the water. The Warpers Trail quietly offers something much bigger.
This circular walk slips away from the familiar reservoir path and threads together three very different waterside landscapes: the woodland around Entwistle, the open water of Wayoh and the valley beside Jumbles. Between them, it discovers a medieval manor house, an old packhorse crossing, former mill communities and the stone-built village of Edgworth.
Its name belongs to the Witton Weavers Way, a collection of Lancashire trails celebrating the people and trades that powered the local textile story. A warper prepared the long threads that run through a piece of cloth. It is a perfect name for a route that seems to stitch the whole landscape together.
The walking is never mountainous, but the full circuit deserves respect. There are climbs, field paths, stiles and places where mud can slow you down. Waymarking helps, although the remote northern section after Entwistle station requires closer attention.
Save the map, pack a drink and give the trail a proper day. This is one of those walks where every few miles feels like the beginning of a completely different adventure.
Mapped and ready
See the route before you set off.
The genuine route overview and live map sit together, so you can understand the whole journey before opening the detailed directions.
Route overview
From Batridge Barn car park, the route heads south-east across farmland towards the railway and Turton Tower. It then descends through the wooded Jumbles valley to Turton Bottoms before climbing through the old industrial landscape into Edgworth.
After crossing the village, the Warpers Trail reaches Wayoh Reservoir and follows its northern shore towards Entwistle station. The Strawbury Duck provides a well-timed refreshment stop before the route leaves the better-known paths for Edge Lane and the quiet fields around Cadshaw Brook.
The final section returns to the trees beside Entwistle Reservoir and follows the water back to Batridge Barn.
The supplied route file follows the current OpenStreetMap Warpers Trail relation. Paths, access and ground conditions can still change, so use signs on the ground and respect any temporary diversions.
Follow the route
STAGE 1: BATRIDGE BARN TO CLOUGH HOUSE
Leave Batridge Barn car park and cross the access road carefully. Pick up the signed field track heading away from Entwistle Reservoir, passing through a kissing gate before crossing Greens Arms Road.
Continue on the broader track towards Clough House Farm. The reservoir soon disappears behind you and the route begins to reveal its real character: working farmland, stone walls and wide views across the West Pennine landscape.
Remain on the public right of way, keep dogs close around livestock and follow the waymarks towards the railway crossing.
Distance completed: approximately 1.5 km
STAGE 2: THE APPROACH TO TURTON TOWER
Cross the railway with care and continue towards Turton Tower. The building appears gradually through the trees, looking more like a small castle than a country house.
Turton Tower began as a stone pele tower and grew across the centuries into one of Lancashire’s most distinctive historic homes. Its mixture of medieval stonework, timber framing and later additions makes this the cultural high point of the walk.
The grounds are normally open daily, while house and café opening can be seasonal. If you intend to visit inside, check current times before setting off and allow at least another hour.
Distance completed: approximately 2.9 km
STAGE 3: TURTON TOWER TO JUMBLES WOODLAND
Leave the tower towards Chapeltown Road. Follow the mapped line carefully through the roadside field, where an old pillbox is a reminder that this quiet valley has witnessed more recent history too.
The trail soon enters woodland and begins descending towards Bradshaw Brook. Roots, fallen leaves and wet stone can make this section slippery after rain.
Cross the bridge and turn along the brook. The sound of moving water replaces the open farmland as the route follows the wooded edge of the Jumbles valley.
Distance completed: approximately 4.6 km
STAGE 4: TURTON BOTTOMS AND THE OLD CROSSING
Reach Turton Bottoms, once part of a much busier industrial valley. Turn onto Vale Street and follow the narrow track towards the old stone crossing.
This is one of the most atmospheric parts of the route. Mossy walls, cottages and woodland now soften a landscape once shaped by printworks, mills and the movement of goods along the valley.
Continue to Birches Road, then follow the climbing path beyond the old cottages. Stone steps and field gates lead steadily upwards. Pause occasionally and look back—the height gained here opens a completely different view across the valley.
Distance completed: approximately 5.3 km
STAGE 5: THE CLIMB TO BARLOW PARK AND EDGWORTH
Cross the fields on the mapped right of way, descending to a small footbridge. Do not be drawn across the nearby stone bridge; the Warpers Trail turns into the woodland leading towards Barlow Park.
The path emerges near the playground and bowling green in Edgworth. This attractive stone village makes a useful pause after the rougher field section.
Follow the mapped streets towards Bolton Road. Take care through the village and use pavements and formal crossings wherever they are available.
Distance completed: approximately 6.4 km
STAGE 6: BLACK BULL TO WAYOH RESERVOIR
Near the Black Bull, leave the road and descend by the signed path towards Wayoh Reservoir.
The mood changes immediately. Woodland gathers around the shore and the broad reservoir opens between the trees. Keep to the path nearest the water, taking care on wet leaves and exposed roots.
Wayoh was created to supply water to Bolton and remains part of a working water-catchment landscape. Enjoy the views without entering the water or disturbing wildlife along the shore.
Distance completed: approximately 7 km
STAGE 7: ALONG THE NORTHERN SHORE OF WAYOH
Continue around the reservoir and cross Hob Lane carefully. The route returns to the woodland on the opposite side and keeps close to the water.
One junction after a small footbridge is easy to miss. Rather than taking the immediate field stile, follow the rising path behind the nearby bench. It leads to a kissing gate and continues between fields towards Entwistle Hall Lane.
This is exactly the sort of place where the downloaded map earns its keep. If the waymark and digital route disagree with an obvious temporary diversion, follow the signed diversion on the ground.
Distance completed: approximately 8.7 km
STAGE 8: ENTWISTLE STATION AND THE STRAWBURY DUCK
Turn along Entwistle Hall Lane, cross the railway bridge and reach the tiny station. The platforms hidden between the trees give this part of the walk an almost storybook quality.
The Strawbury Duck stands close by and is the most natural refreshment stop on the circuit. Check food and opening times before relying on it, particularly if you are walking early or later in the day.
This is also the point where rail users can begin or finish. There are no station toilets and facilities are limited, so do not arrive expecting a conventional town station.
Distance completed: approximately 9.5 km
STAGE 9: EDGE LANE TO CADSHAW BROOK
From the pub, climb Edge Lane and take the left branch at the three-way split. Continue past Edge Foot Farm and remain on Edge Lane until the mapped route leaves through a gate and stile on the left.
The next section feels wonderfully removed from the busier reservoir paths. Follow the grassy track beyond the old stone gateposts and keep the ruined walls close enough to confirm your line.
The path becomes faint as it descends towards the lower corner of the field. Look for the crossing near Cadshaw Brook, where a plank walkway, stile and small wooden bridge return you to a clearer path.
Take extra care here in fading light, after heavy rain or when vegetation is high. This is the navigation crux of the complete circuit.
Distance completed: approximately 11.5 km
STAGE 10: ENTWISTLE RESERVOIR RETURN
Turn onto the main reservoir path and begin the gentler final stretch around Entwistle.
After the open fields, the wooded water feels calm and familiar. Follow the shore, ignoring smaller informal paths that leave the mapped circuit. Seasonal streams may cross the path and muddy patches can remain long after rain.
The trees eventually open near Batridge Barn. Return to the car park to complete a circuit of approximately 14.3 km.
Total distance: approximately 14.3 km / 8.9 miles
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Before you go
Practical information.
DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
Mobile reception can be inconsistent in the valleys and around the northern fields. Save the Google map or GPX before leaving home and carry enough battery for the full walk.
FOLLOW THE WARPER WAYMARKS
The Warpers Trail is part of the Witton Weavers Way and is traditionally marked with a mill-style emblem. Waymarks are helpful, but they should support rather than replace your downloaded route.
EXPECT MUD
Reservoir edges, woodland and farmland can remain wet throughout the year. Waterproof walking boots with dependable grip are the best choice after rain.
CHECK TOWER OPENING TIMES
Turton Tower’s grounds can be enjoyed as part of the walk, but access to the house, café and toilets is seasonal. Check the official visitor information if these facilities matter to your day.
TAKE CARE AT THE RAILWAY
Use the recognised crossing and bridge shown on the mapped route. Stop, look and listen, obey all signs and never take shortcuts onto the railway.
RESERVOIR SAFETY
Entwistle and Wayoh are working reservoirs. Stay on permitted paths, keep away from operational structures and do not enter the water.
ROAD CROSSINGS
The circuit crosses or briefly follows several roads. Traffic can approach quickly on rural bends, so use pavements where available and cross only when you have a clear view in both directions.
FOOD AND DRINK
Carry your own water and snacks. The Strawbury Duck is well placed after roughly two-thirds of the route, with additional options in Edgworth, but opening and kitchen times can change.
BEST TIME TO WALK
Late spring and early autumn bring colour to the woodland and generally comfortable walking temperatures. Summer weekends can be busy around the reservoirs. Winter gives quieter paths but often much more mud and fewer daylight hours.
START EARLY
Allow four to five hours for the walk, plus any time spent at Turton Tower or stopping for food. A morning start gives you more freedom on the quieter field section.
DOGS
Fit dogs can enjoy the route, but there are livestock fields, stiles, roads, railway crossings and long waterside sections. Keep dogs on a short lead around animals, wildlife and other visitors, and bring enough water for them.
FAMILIES
The complete trail is best for active older children and teenagers accustomed to longer walks. For younger children, choose the shorter reservoir circuit rather than committing to almost nine miles.
ACCESSIBILITY
The full Warpers Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or conventional pushchairs. It includes stiles, gates, steps, muddy fields, uneven woodland paths and sustained gradients.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Take all rubbish home, close gates, keep to public rights of way and never disturb livestock or nesting birds. Reservoir land is both a public landscape and an important water catchment.
SHORTER ALTERNATIVE
If the weather closes in or you want a gentler outing, stay on the main path around Entwistle Reservoir. It gives you woodland and waterside scenery without the full field-and-village circuit. Map this separately rather than trying to improvise a shortcut from the Warpers Trail.
WHY IT IS CALLED THE WARPERS TRAIL
Warping was the process of arranging the long, parallel threads used to create woven cloth. The trail is one of four Witton Weavers Way circuits named after textile trades, preserving a direct link with the communities and industries that shaped this corner of Lancashire.
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Useful answers
Warpers Trail Walk: Lancashire’s Reservoirs, Tower and Weaver’s Country FAQs.
How long is the Warpers Trail?
The mapped circular route is approximately 14.3 km or 8.9 miles. Allow four to five hours, with more time if you visit Turton Tower or stop for food.
Where does the Warpers Trail start?
This guide begins at Batridge Barn car park beside Entwistle Reservoir, off Batridge Road, Bolton BL7 0LU. Entwistle railway station is also on the route and provides an alternative start.
Is parking free at Entwistle Reservoir?
United Utilities currently provides free parking at the Batridge Road site. Spaces are limited and the car park can become busy on fine weekends, so arrive early and park considerately.
Is the Warpers Trail difficult?
It is a moderate walk rather than a mountain route, but the distance, ascent, stiles, mud and occasional faint field paths make it more demanding than the standard reservoir circuit.
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