Piethorne Reservoir, lake in the United Kingdom
Piethorne Reservoir is a large body of water between Oldham and Rochdale that reaches depths over 20 meters (65 feet). A wide embankment with a clay core holds back the water, and a popular trail circles the water's edge where walkers can enjoy open views and natural surroundings.
Construction began in 1858 to supply drinking water to Oldham during rapid industrial growth. Workers called navvies compacted clay to create a waterproof core, and over time additional reservoirs were added to manage water quality and flow for mills and homes.
The name Piethorne comes from the stream that once ran through the valley and now feeds the reservoir. Today, the area draws walkers and nature watchers who come to hear the calls of skylarks and curlews that are part of the local rhythm.
Parking is available at the nearby Ogden Reservoir car park with free access to the valley trails. The route is straightforward to walk, with sections along the dam offering open views, and the paths are passable year-round though wet conditions are common after rain.
While building the reservoir, workers discovered a Bronze Age spearhead buried deep in the ground, showing that people lived in this valley thousands of years before the dam was built. The discovery now rests beneath the water, a quiet reminder of ancient life in the area.
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