11k Run Stocks: Scenic Loop Around Stocks Reservoir

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 11.1km loop around Stocks Reservoir offers a quintessential trail running experience in the heart of the Forest of Bowland. Starting from the School Lane car park, this anticlockwise route features a manageable 126m of ascent, making it an accessible choice for runners looking for a solid distance without punishing climbs. You can expect a varied terrain underfoot: about half the route utilizes well-surfaced paved and gravel tracks, while the remainder transitions into lush grassy paths that can get quite soft after a typical Lancashire rainfall. It is a fantastic middle-distance run that perfectly balances the rhythmic pace of flat reservoir trails with the natural undulations of the surrounding woodland.

Steeped in local history, the area around Stocks Reservoir carries a poignant story; the reservoir was constructed in the 1920s and 30s, resulting in the flooding of the original village of Stocks. As you navigate the shoreline, you are running through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that serves as a vital habitat for diverse birdlife, including oystercatchers and lapwings. The Forest of Bowland remains one of England's "hidden gems," offering a sense of remote wilderness and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. After completing your loop, keep an eye out for the ruins of the old church, which was rebuilt on higher ground and serves as a lasting landmark of the valley's transformation.