Upper Rivington Reservoir, lake in the United Kingdom
Upper Rivington Reservoir is a water body spanning about 2 miles in the West Pennine Moors with flat walking paths suitable for all ages. It forms part of a chain of three reservoirs in this area and is held back by long embankments built in the 1800s.
The reservoir was built between 1852 and 1857 under engineer Thomas Hawksley's design to supply water to the town of Liverpool and surrounding villages. The substantial dam structures from that era remain a defining feature of the landscape today.
The name reflects the local river and moorland geography of this rural corner of Lancashire. You can see how residents use the surroundings for relaxed walks and quiet outdoor activities.
The site is easy to reach with flat terrain allowing leisurely walking at any pace, and parking is available nearby. Bring your own snacks as facilities in the immediate area are limited.
A small island sits in the middle of the water, and historically two places called Street Bottoms and Street Wood disappeared beneath the surface when the reservoir was filled. This hidden history reveals how the landscape was reshaped for modern water needs.
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