Blackstone Edge Reservoir, reservoir in Greater Manchester, England, UK
Blackstone Edge Reservoir is a water storage body in the Pennines at the border between Greater Manchester and Yorkshire, surrounded by open moorland and dark stone cliffs. The water sits in a scenic setting between rolling hills and is crossed by a network of walking trails, with the area marked by large boulders and open sky.
The reservoir was built in the late 1700s to supply water to the Rochdale Canal and help control flooding in the area. The landscape has been used by people for thousands of years, from Stone Age tribes to Roman times, with traces of quarrying and trade routes still visible today.
The name Blackstone Edge comes from the dark stone cliffs that define this moorland landscape. Today, visitors can see how people have shaped the area over time while the natural surroundings remain central to how locals use the place for walks and quiet moments.
The main starting point is the car park near Blackstone Edge, from where you can follow the Pennine Way, a well-known footpath that leads to the top of the gritstone escarpment. The area has wide trails suitable for families with children and dogs, but weather can change quickly, so wear sturdy shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing.
At the highest point stands a survey marker placed by cartographers on a location called Robin Hoods Bed to measure the landscape. Finding this unusual stone is an adventure for walkers wanting to connect with the area's measuring history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
