Jumbles Country Park lies in the Bradshaw Valley in the West Pennine Moors, four miles north of Bolton town centre. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and various recreational activities.
The park is ideal for a family day out, and dog walks, or a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The park was created in 1971 following the construction of Jumbles Reservoir. The reservoir was built to supply drinking water to the local area. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the park.
The park is owned and managed by United Utilities.
The reservoir is fed by Bradshaw Brook, which also supplies both the Turton and Entwistle Reservoir and the Wayoh Reservoir to the north.
Ousel Nest Meadows lie to the south of the reservoir. The area takes its name from the old English word for a blackbird. The woodland here is home to birds such as the jay, sparrowhawk, grey heron, and kestrel. Foxes and roe deer can also be seen here.
Walks
The path around the reservoir is a popular walking trail. It’s generally flat, with most sections around the water suitable for pushchairs. The walk around Jumbles Reservoir is approximately 2 miles in length.
The Kingfisher Trail is a more extensive walk. The 14-mile route starts at Jumbles Country Park and goes to Philips Park in Prestwich, Bury.
Points of interest on the route include:
- Longsight Park
- Firwood Fold
- Seven Acres Country Park
- Leverhulme Park
- Moses Gate Country Park
- Nob End Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
- Clifton Country Park
- Clifton Viaduct (13 Arches)
To see a map of the Kingfisher Trail, visit the website of the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.
Fishing on Jumbles Reservoir
Jumbles Reservoir is popular among anglers, with the opportunity to catch bream, roach, and pike. Fishing permits are required.
Darwen Loyal Angling Club manages fishing. See their website for details on how to obtain day tickets.
Sailing
Jumbles Sailing Club are based here. The family-friendly club focuses on dinghy sailing. It offers various training courses for sailors of all levels.
They have a thriving junior section with many juniors competing at regional and national events.
Facilities and Park Information
A charming cafe offers refreshments and light snacks. It’s open every day of the week. It also functions as an information centre and offers excellent reservoir views.
There’s no playground at the park, but there are toilets.
The park is open daily from dawn until dusk. There’s no admission fee to enter the park.
Location of Jumbles Country Park – Postcode
Jumbles Country Park is situated between Chapeltown and Bromley Cross. The main car park is just off Bradshaw Road. The official postcode is BL2 4JS, although on some sat nav systems, BL2 4JP works better.
When driving from Bolton, look for the brown tourist sign or the sign for the Park Fold Farm bed and breakfast, camping, and caravan site.
Parking is free. Spaces are limited, so arriving early at weekends and public holidays is recommended.
The park is easy to reach by public transport. Bromley Cross Train Station is around ¼ mile from the park’s southern end. The 480 bus service from Bolton Bus Station (Bolton Interchange) to Bury Interchange stops on Bradshaw Road, close to the park.
Turton Tower, a 16th-century manor house, lies just northwest of the park.
Attractions Nearby – Wayoh Reservoir and Turton and Entwistle Reservoir
A visit to Jumbles Country Park could be combined with a trip to Wayoh Reservoir or Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs. Both are vital water sources and ideal locations to spend some time and escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Both are around 1 mile north of the park.
Constructed in 1876, Wayoh Reservoir was built to supply water to Bolton. A significant feature of the reservoir is the Armsgrove Viaduct, which was completed in 1848. This bridge stands 120 feet high, has nine arches, and carries trains from Manchester to Clitheroe. For those interested in walking, a circular path runs around the reservoir, spanning 3 miles. Though the footpath has short climbs and is stony and muddy in some areas, it offers a serene environment for walkers.
Together with the nearby Wayoh Reservoir, the Turton and Entwistle Reservoir supplies about half of Bolton’s drinking water needs. Apart from its utility, the reservoir is a favourite spot for walkers, cyclists, and those looking for a picnic spot. The Turton and Entwistle Trail, a circular walk around the water, is flat, easy to follow, and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Art enthusiasts can admire the galvanized steel sculpture of a heron by UK-based Dutch artist Marjan Wouda on the northern shore. The Entwistle Dam, built in 1832, was the first in the UK to exceed 100 feet. There’s a car park at the southeastern corner of the reservoir on Batridge Road for those driving. The Strawbury Duck pub and Entwistle Train Station are conveniently located just north.
