Lowercroft Reservoirs

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 4.8km loop around the Lowercroft Reservoirs offers a quintessential Greater Manchester trail experience, blending steady paved sections with rugged rural tracks. Starting with a gentle ascent of 61m, you'll find your rhythm along Bentley Hall Road—a quiet dirt track that makes you feel miles away from the hustle of Bury. As you transition into the open fields, be prepared for some classic "soft underfoot" conditions; the grassy paths between Top and Middle Lowercroft Reservoirs can get quite muddy after a Pennine drizzle, so grippy trail shoes are highly recommended for navigating the uneven terrain and scenic waterside stretches.

Steeped in local industrial heritage, these reservoirs were originally constructed to provide a consistent water supply to the numerous bleach and dye works that once dotted the Bury landscape. Today, the area has been reclaimed by nature, serving as a peaceful green lung for the local community and a haven for waterfowl. Running here offers a glimpse into the Lancastrian past, where the transition from Victorian engineering to wild, open meadows creates a varied backdrop that keeps your mind engaged even when your legs are working hard on the climbs.