Shawclough & Healey March 2022

Syke Walk & Talk Group
A WALK TO COWM RESERVOIR
Now we are in a new year. Covid
regulations are being relaxed and the
weather is starting to get better! It is
the time for getting out into the fresh
air and having a good walk. The Syke
walking group starts from the Syke
Chapel on a Friday mornings.
This walk takes us to the picturesque Cowm
reservoir. It is about 6 miles and involves some
steep climbs.
Prior to the construction of the reservoir there
had been 26 houses and farms, a cotton mill
and stone polishing mill in the Cowm valley.
Not all of them were drowned when the valley
was flooded but those that remained were
gradually abandoned with the last residents
leaving in 1950. The ruins of Cowclough a
hamlet on the west side of the reservoir can
still be seen.
Construction of the reservoir started in 1868
and was completed in 1877. It was built to
supply drinking water to Rochdale but in 1975
became polluted and is now utilised by a water
ski centre. Pathways have been laid and it is
now possible to make a complete circuit of the
reservoir.
From Syke Chapel head northwards along
Dewhirst Road over the cattle grid and
continue on this road passing , Moorland
Home on your right and Lobden golf course
on your left. At the golf course take the left
turn and follow the road downhill passing Saint
Bartholomew’s church and Whitworth Square.
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