Discover panoramic views at Baitings Reservoir
Just off the A58 heading to Rochdale, you’ll find our free car park in line with the wall of the dam (HX6 4LR). Follow our walking guide for a wonderful ramble through woodlands and across two dam walls with panoramic views. For a longer adventure, walk around the beautiful Ryburn too.
Facilities
Activities
| Walk | Distance | Difficulty | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baitings short walk | 1.4 miles | 2 out of 4 |
|
| Baitings Longer walk | 2 miles | 3 out of 4 |
|
Visitor information
To keep everyone happy and safe, please:
- follow government guidance
- don’t swim
- take your litter home
- stick to the path
- keep your dog on a lead
- clean up after your dog
- don’t light fires or BBQs.
Make a day of it
While you're here, why not visit a nearby reservoir?
Ryburn Reservoir
Just to the east of Baitings is Ryburn, another reservoir full of West Yorkshire charm. Park at our free car park (On Swift Place, just off the A58 HX6 4LE) and enjoy a moderate walk with some surfaced and some unsurfaced paths.
How to get there
By car
You can use our free car park (HX6 4LR) which is just off the A58 (Rochdale Road), at the north-east corner of the reservoir.
From Ripponden
Travel 2.5 miles west along the A58 until you reach the left turn into the car park
From Littleborough
Travel 5 miles east along the A58, until you reach the right turn into the car park.
By public transport
New Inn Cottage Bus Stop is on the A58, less than 100m from the car park entrance. Buses from both directions stop at the same spot.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Baitings Reservoir?
No, you can't swim in Baitings Reservoir. Reservoirs are really dangerous places and have lots of dangers hidden under the surface. We don't allow anyone to swim in our reservoirs, even if you’re a great swimmer!
Why can’t you swim in Baitings Reservoir?
Baitings Reservoir has lots of hidden dangers. The water is very cold (even in summer) and cold water shock can kill. Baitings Reservoir supplies water to be treated, so there's machinery and strong currents under the water. There may also be blue-green algae, which causes rashes and severe illnesses.
Can dogs swim in Baitings Reservoir?
No, it’s not safe for dogs to swim in Baitings Reservoir and they shouldn’t drink the water. Blue-green algae can form on the surface, which is poisonous and can kill them. There’s also dangerous machinery and strong currents under the water.
Is wild swimming allowed in Baitings Reservoir?
No, Baitings Reservoir is dangerous. Reservoirs aren't the same as natural lakes, they’re man-made and have large machinery that’s working 24/7 just below the surface. They’re also very cold, have strong currents and might have blue-green algae which causes rashes and severe illness.