Above Newhey, near Milnrow, Greater Manchester

Piethorne Valley

Valley

Source image

5.8

Wildland

Half day

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

HillsValleyRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

5.8

A reservoir landscape where open moorland, water and views meet: the Ogden Reservoir and Piethorne Valley circuit links the water with the surrounding hills.

Piethorne Valley offers a more varied outing than a simple reservoir stroll: a documented circular walk takes in open moorland and reservoir views. The appeal is the landscape and the route, rather than a heavily developed visitor attraction.

Peaceful · Big-sky · Wild

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Above Newhey, near Milnrow, Greater Manchester

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The experience

Make Ogden Reservoir and Piethorne Valley the focus of a half-day walk. The documented circular route is about 5.4 miles and takes an estimated 2.5–3 hours; it includes some road walking, so take care and check conditions before setting off.

Things to do

Walk the Ogden Reservoir and Piethorne Valley circuit

A documented 5.4-mile loop with reservoir views, moorland scenery and some road walking. Check current route conditions before setting out.

2.5–3 hours

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

A short reservoir-side escape

01
Start at Ogden Reservoir car park, after checking current access and parking arrangements.
02
Walk a section of the reservoir-side paths and turn back when you have had your fill of the views; the supplied sources do not verify a specific short circuit.
03
Allow extra care if your chosen route uses roads.

Half day · 2.5–3 hours

The Ogden Reservoir and Piethorne Valley loop

01
Begin at the Ogden Reservoir car park, checking current parking arrangements first.
02
Follow the documented 5.4-mile circular route through the reservoir landscape and surrounding countryside.
03
Take care on the road-walking sections and allow for potentially boggy or overgrown paths.

Verified history

The supplied attraction description says the valley contains a linked group of six moorland reservoirs and that Piethorne Reservoir was constructed between 1858 and 1868. That account is identified on the page as AI-generated, so the dates and details should be independently verified before being presented as established history.

When to go

May · June · July · August · September · October · Choose a clear day for the reservoir and moorland views; weekdays may be quieter, but this is not independently verified in the supplied research.

The supplied source row recommends late spring to early autumn for milder weather and longer days, and notes autumn foliage as a draw. These are general seasonal suggestions, not a verified forecast or guarantee of conditions.

Check the forecast and route conditions before setting out. AllTrails notes that paths can be boggy or overgrown and that part of its route uses roads.

The route

ascent: 990 ft
surface: Wide reservoir paths are described; sections may be boggy or overgrown, and the route includes road walking.
distance: 5.4 miles
duration: 2.5–3 hours
difficulty: Moderate (AllTrails rating)
waymarking: Not confirmed in the supplied evidence.
route shape: Loop
start point: Ogden Reservoir car park, according to the supplied route source.
parking start: AllTrails reports a fee for the car park. Check current arrangements before travelling.
shorter alternative: Walk a section of the reservoir-side paths and return the same way; no verified shorter circuit or distance is supplied.

Views over Ogden Reservoir and Piethorne Valley
Open moorland scenery
Dick Hill is listed as a point of interest

What to look for

Look for changing views across Ogden Reservoir and the surrounding moorland as the route climbs and descends. The supplied route description also identifies Dick Hill as a point of interest.

The story

Reservoir landscape and regional water-supply history; further historical detail needs reliable verification.

Best time to go

Late spring to early autumn for longer, milder days; autumn for changing foliage. Check conditions before setting out.

Choose a clear, calm day for the reservoir and hill views. Weekdays may be quieter, according to the supplied source row; check conditions before setting out.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

A walking destination around a group of moorland reservoirs. A circular walking route is documented, but check current access, route conditions and parking arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

Parking is reported near Ogden Reservoir; AllTrails notes that the car park has a fee. Check current arrangements before visiting.

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Toilets

AllTrails reports toilets at the Visitor Centre; verify availability before travelling.

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Food & drink

No café facilities are confirmed by the supplied evidence. Bring refreshments or check locally.

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Dogs

Check current local rules and signage before visiting.

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Accessibility

The circular route is described as relatively easy-going, with wide reservoir paths and short inclines, but it includes road walking. Natural terrain may limit accessibility; check route conditions and suitability before setting out.

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Cost

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Water

Reservoirs