Seven Reservoirs & Rochdale Canal Summit – 24/06/26 – Leader Mark
On a very hot day 15 brave ramblers gathered carrying no waterproofs or extra layers but vast quantities of fluids and one portable fan – Lorraine.
After a brief road walk we joined the Rochdale canal, where we had our group picture taken, before making our way to the canal summit pound which is only 0.8 miles long with ,36 locks descended to Sowerby Bridge, to the north and east and another 56 locks descended to Castlefield Junction, on the edge of Manchester.
Leaving the canal we started the main ascent of the day, 600 feet in a mile and a half. It was hot and slow with a coffee/hydration break half way up. On route we passed two of our 7 reservoirs, Lower & Higher Chelburn, which were both built to supply water to the summit pond of the canal.
Having finished our climb we started the flat section of the walk alongside the reservoirs, here we were greeted with a nice gentle breeze. We passed Blackstone Edge, White Holme, Light Hazzles and Warland Reservoirs before we came to Gaddings Dam where we sat on the highest beach in England at 780 ft where we had lunch. Watching some mad locals in the water (and Wayne) that also had about 15 cows in it, doing what cows do best. The water was not crystal clear.
From here we started our descent passing the Basin Stone as we did. We continued downhill for a couple of miles before re-joining the canal towpath for the walk back to the cars.
Thank you all for coming on such a hot day.
Photos – Steve D
Back marker – Judy
Write up – Mark
Distance – 10.1 m Ascent – 1075ft Drink stops – numerous
‘If you wish to see a static view of the pics all in one gotten click here.’
Continuously running slideshow below – you can see it full screen by clicking in top left of picture
The cows had the right idea to cool down!
Great pics of a lovely walk, especially the horses enjoying the ice lollies!
In spite of the hot weather. It was a lovely walk with some lovely features.
Thanks Mark