
Anglezarke and Rivington Reservoir Circuit
Lancashire
The reservoirs at Anglezarke and Rivington sit in a chain beneath the West Pennine Moors north of Bolton, linked by a 9.7 km circular that follows the waterside before climbing onto open moorland with views across Lancashire to the coast. The lower paths around the reservoirs are well surfaced and steady, while the higher sections onto the moor bring rougher ground, heather, and a genuine sense of space. The 290 m of climbing is concentrated on the moorland ascent, giving the walk two distinct characters: gentle waterside and more exposed upland. Rivington Pike's tower is visible on the skyline for much of the route and makes a natural extension.
This is a dog friendly walk with more substance than the gentle reservoir paths might initially suggest. The waterside sections provide drinking access and shelter, while the moorland opens up into the kind of terrain where dogs can stretch out and work their noses through heather and rough grass. Livestock graze parts of the moorland and some field margins near the reservoirs, so leads are needed in places and awareness of sheep is important throughout. The woodland sections between reservoirs are particularly good for scent, with damp ground and varied undergrowth. The mix of easy and moderate terrain makes this a good choice for dogs building fitness or owners who want options to extend or shorten the day.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.7 km (6.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Woodland, Reservoir
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Cafe at Rivington, Toilets
- Parking
- Anglezarke car park off Moor Road
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anglezarke and Rivington Reservoir Circuit dog friendly?
Yes, this is a well-suited walk for dogs and scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The route offers a real mix of terrain , calm waterside paths where dogs can access the water, woodland sections rich with scent, and open moorland where they can properly stretch their legs. There's a cafe at Rivington if you need a pit stop, and toilets are available on site too.
Can dogs be off lead at Anglezarke and Rivington Reservoir Circuit?
There are good opportunities for off-lead time here, particularly on the open moorland sections where dogs can roam through heather and rough grass. That said, livestock graze parts of the moorland and some field margins near the reservoirs, so you'll need to keep dogs on leads in those areas and stay alert to sheep throughout the walk.
What should I know before visiting Anglezarke and Rivington Reservoir Circuit with my dog?
The circuit is 9.7 km with around 290 metres of climbing, so it's worth knowing your dog's fitness level before you set out , though the route's two distinct characters (gentle waterside and rougher upland) do give you some flexibility to adjust the day. The higher moorland sections bring exposed terrain and heavier ground underfoot, while the lower reservoir paths are well surfaced and easier going. Parking is available at Anglezarke car park off Moor Road, and there's a cafe at Rivington if you need refreshments along the way.
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