Lakes around Nelson offer a variety of outdoor experiences, primarily centered around man-made reservoirs. These bodies of water are integrated into the landscape, providing settings for various activities. The region features trails suitable for walking, hiking, and cycling, often with views of the surrounding hills and countryside. These reservoirs serve as local landmarks and recreational hubs.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Get to know this 9.5-km circular trail near Burnley, Lancashire. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 38 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
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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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Lower Ogden Reservoir was built in the early 1900's to supply water to the surrounding area. The track to the north can be linked with footpaths to the south so that you can run around the reservoir from Barley. You can also extend the run and take in Upper Ogden Reservoir or use this as the start or finishing section for a brilliant loop of Pendle Hill.
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Clowbridge Reservoir has some great walking trails around the lake plus an orienteering course. It's home to a sailing club and angling association so there tends to be things going on as well as the wildlife.
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Lower Ogden Reservoir was built in the early 1900's to supply water to the surrounding area.
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Was there a week ago and the bottom half of the trail has been ruined by the weather and hooligan trail builders. i would give it a miss.
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You can walk around the water but dogs are not allowed on this pathway.
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If you're feeling spectacularly energetic, just west of the dam here there are some swoopy mountain bike trails. They're not long - just over a mile, but they can provide some welcome entertainment. Although there's a carpark at the other end of them, there are no facilities, so bring plenty of food and water. As an aside, though, the trails are also excellent for younger kids to earn their mountain biking stripes on.
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The lakes around Nelson are primarily man-made reservoirs, integrated into the landscape. They serve as focal points for outdoor recreation, offering settings for walking, hiking, and cycling, often with views of the surrounding hills and countryside.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly walking opportunities. For example, Lower Ogden Reservoir is known for its clear waters and a track suitable for running around the reservoir from Barley. Hurstwood Reservoir also has trails that can be excellent for younger kids to earn their mountain biking stripes on, though some sections may be challenging.
Clowbridge Reservoir offers a 9.5-km circular trail, popular for birding, fishing, and hiking. It's also home to a sailing club and angling association, providing various activities alongside wildlife observation.
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities. Near Hurstwood Reservoir, you can find swoopy mountain bike trails. For more options, you can explore the Gravel biking around Nelson guide, which includes routes like the Cant Clough Reservoir loop.
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the 9.5-km circular trail at Clowbridge Reservoir is considered moderately challenging. Additionally, the Lower Gorple Reservoir Descent is described as open, spectacular, and very fast for those with the nerve for it, though it requires careful navigation.
Lower Ogden Reservoir is highly recommended for its clear waters, which can beautifully reflect the surrounding trees and hills on calm days, offering amazing photo opportunities. Cant Clough Reservoir also provides views back towards the windfarm at Bent's Pasture.
Visitors appreciate the opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as walking around the reservoirs and enjoying the scenic reflections on calm days. The presence of sailing clubs and angling associations at places like Clowbridge Reservoir also adds to the appeal, providing activities alongside wildlife observation.
At Clowbridge Reservoir, you can walk around the water, but dogs are specifically not allowed on the pathway. It's always best to check local signage or specific highlight tips for other locations.
For more hiking options, you can refer to the Hiking around Nelson guide. It features various routes, including easy walks like the Barrowford Locks loop and more difficult ones such as The Cabin Café – Alice Nutter Statue loop.
Yes, the Road Cycling Routes around Nelson guide offers several options. These routes often incorporate scenic sections of the local landscape, though specific lake-side paths might vary.
Lower Ogden Reservoir was built in the early 1900s with the purpose of supplying water to the surrounding area. It's a testament to the region's industrial heritage and its integration into the natural landscape.


Still not found your perfect lake around Nelson? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.