Hollingworth Lake Country Park

I am literally five mintues from Hollingworth Lake - my parent's have lived here for about 25 years and I grew up here. Hollingworth Lake is in an area called Smithy Bridge / Littleborough. If you live near by, it's easy to walk here or if you're coming from further away then there is plenty of parking around the Lake on the side streets - don't pay!!! Smithy Bridge train station is also fairly near, about 10mins walk away, which is on the Leeds-Manchester line. The motorway at Milnow is also about 5mins drive away, which is handy. The Lake is in the pennines, so the surroundings are really nice and very beautiful. ...  Read the complete review

Situated about 4 miles outside of Rochdale town Centre and about 4 miles from the M62 at Jct 21, this Lake was originally built (Yes its man made and was finished in 1801) to supply water to the canal which is located less than 1 mile away. These days the lake is more a place of leisure than a working item. The lake is used for variety of water sports such as canoeing and sailing, it is reputed that Captain Webb used the lake to get some practice before his cross channel swim. I don't know if this is true but I'm sure the water is the same temperature after having swam in both! A well as the water activities which are best left to the brave the ...  Read the complete review

Hollingworth Lake Country Park is really worth a visit. Sundays can be quite busy so if you have chance to visit during the week then do so. The main car park adjacent to the sailing club can get very busy so use the car park next to the tourist information centre. Just turn left after the Fishermans Rest Public House to find this. Most people walk around the main reservoir, which is fine if you fancy a nice stroll but for the more energetic and adventurous there are plenty of walks off the beaten track. Call in at the tourist information centre for details. There are two public houses at the park, first and best in my opinion is the Fishermans Rest, ...  Read the complete review