When most Mancs think of going for a walk around a reservoir, their minds will leap to Dovestones on the edge of the Peak District, or maybe Rivington, or even Ladybower Reservoir just off Snake Pass.
But to anyone who has yet to venture to one of Rochdale’s finest bodies of water, you’re really missing out.
Greenbooth Reservoir is one of Greater Manchester’s most underrated country walks, and it’s got a bit of everything.
There’s the water – obviously – but also a hidden waterfall, easy-to-follow walking routes, and incredible views all the way to Manchester in the distance.
At this time of year, the leaves on the trees burn in a hundred shades of orange, yellow and red, and the golden hour light reflects beautifully off the water.
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Along the walk, you’ll encounter sheep, huge wind turbines, and staggering vistas.
Greenbooth in summer. Credit: The Manc GroupGreenbooth in the autumn
The site is actually made up of four reservoirs – Naden Higher, Naden Middle, Naden Lower and Greenbooth reservoir – sandwiched in the Naden Valley above Norden.
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The working reservoirs are under the care of United Utilities, and there’s a free-of-charge car park for visitors to take advantage of.
From the car park, you can walk in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction – either walking through the trees to the southern-most point of Greenbooth Reservoir, or heading to the point where the Lower and Middle Naden reservoirs meet.
The biggest loop here goes around all four expanses of water, with the footpath essentially carved into the hillside in places and small footbridges leaping over streams.
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In the south-western tip of Greenbooth Reservoir, where there now stands an estate of huge houses, is a waterfall that cascades down the rocks into the water below.
You can see it from the footpath and from the bridges around, but be careful of trying to get too close – it can get a bit muddy and treacherous.
You’ll need to take similar care if you fancy your chances with the sloping patch of grass leading up to Naden Higher, which can get seriously slippy when it’s been raining.
There are secrets hiding beneath the surface of the water too – a sunken 1950s village, which before it was flooded was made up of around 80 cottages, a sweet shop, a Co-op store and a school.
Greenbooth village was abandoned and mostly demolished to make way for the reservoir, which was needed for the booming population in Rochdale.
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If you’re keen to head out for some fresh air, this AllTrails map will help you find your way.
Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Mancs advised ‘do not travel’ today amid MAJOR region-wide train disruption
Daisy Jackson
Passengers across the North West are being told not to travel today, after a power failure triggered major disruption across the region.
A vast number of trains have been cancelled in and out of Greater Manchester due to the failure at Manchester Rail Operating Centre (ROC).
The disruption started earlier this afternoon but is expected to continue across all operator routes until the end of the day.
Now, rail operators are issuing ‘do not travel’ notices, and ticket acceptance has been put in place across all Bee Network buses and Metrolink services.
A statement shared by Manchester City Council: “Due to a power failure at the Manchester Rail Operating Centre (ROC), there is major disruption on the rail network across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and the Midlands.
“Delays and cancellations are expected on all operator routes across Greater Manchester until the end of today (Thursday 6th August). Rail operators have issued a do not travel notice with travel advice and the latest information HERE.
“Ticket acceptance is in place on all Bee Network buses and Metrolink services across Greater Manchester.”
All Brewers Fayre and Beefeater locations across the UK are closing down
Danny Jones
It looks to be the end for not one but two of Britain’s best-known and long-running restaurant franchises, as Brewers Fayre and Beefeaters will be closing down all of their locations.
Dating back to the mid-1970s, there will soon be none left anywhere in the country
The pair of recognisable chains, owned by parent company Whitbread PLC – who also own Premier Inn, hence why they usually come as a joint package – have nearly 200 sites across the UK, but they are already in the process of a wholesale shutdown.
News of the impending closures first began circulating back in April, but now the process is said to be fully underway, with multiple Greater Manchester names on the chopping block.
A real shame all brewers fayres are closing down. As a member they’ve sent me a last free main. So enjoying a mixed grill pic.twitter.com/EIHMZ7LCvv
— Daniel Turner⚽️ 🏟️ 1️⃣1️⃣5️⃣8️⃣ (@puffpuff65) August 4, 2026
With roughly 3,800 staff set to be made unemployed as part of the major restructuring by Whitbread, the job cuts will see approximately 12% of their workforce laid off from a total of around 30,000.
One local duo due to face the music is the soon-to-close Stable Gate in Denton and Wheatlea Park in Wigan – both of which are Brewers Fayre branches.
89 of the brand’s boozers have been given until early September (some dates may vary) to shut up shop and hold not just their last orders, but their final dinner service full stop.
The rest of the venues closing next month are Beefeater pubs, including the Heaton Park one in Crumpsall, The Quay House at Salford Quays, and the Whitgate Inn over Oldham way.
As for others nearby, Macclesfield’s Springwood Park is also set to close.
The older of the two British mainstays is Beefeater, which was founded by Whitbread back in 1974 when they opened their first pub, The Halfway House, down in Enfield.
Brewers debuted up North in ’79, with a maiden watering hole called The Farmers Arms in Preston, before going on to open several locations around Lancashire and eventually nationwide.
Most of you will likely have visited or at the very least passed one of those food and drink spots in your time, and while they may be more associated with hotels and service stations these days, they still served as regular haunts for plenty of people who will no doubt be gutted to see them go.
Speaking of services, another big name is expanding further into the North West.
Daisy Jackson -
25th November 2022 
