Jumbles Reservoir Walk

Jumbles Country Park in Bolton opened in 1971 following the completion of Jumbles Reservoir. The walk around the reservoir takes just over an hour and is easy to follow and flat in most places.

We began the walk at the main car park, just off Bradshaw Road. This is a pay-and-display car park but when we visited (October 2014) the machine was broken and parking was free.

Car park at Jumbles Country Park, Bolton — Car park

From the car park we headed north to the start of the track that leads around the reservoir. There’s a café and information centre here, but we were short of time so moved on without stopping.

After following a woodland trail we came to a concrete bridge crossing a small inlet. Once across the other side, the path returned to the woods for around half a mile.

Concrete bridge over Jumbles Reservoir — The first bridge

Woodland path at Jumbles Country Park, Bolton — Woodland path

At the northern end of the reservoir another bridge took us over to the western side. The path splits in two here. Heading northwest would have taken us to Turton Tower. However, we took the southern route to complete the circuit of the reservoir.

View of the northern end of Jumbles Reservoir from the bridge. Men fishing on Jumbles Reservoir. — View of the northern end of Jumbles Reservoir from the bridge

The path then exits Jumbles Country Park and leads onto to Grange Road. We followed this for half a mile before turning back into the park. We were soon at Ousel Nest Meadows, an attractive area teeming with wildlife.

Grange Road, Jumbles Reservoir, Bolton — Grange Road

Ousel Nest Meadows, Jumbles Country Park

The track then led us past the dam at the southern end of the reservoir. From here a steep hill climb took us back to the car park. This was the only section of the walk where those with pushchairs or the less able would have any difficulty.

Woodland at southern end of Jumbles Country Park — Woodland at southern end of the park

Although we drove to the park it is also possible to travel there by train. Alight at Bromley Cross Train Station and walk north along Grange Road to reach it.

Route Map

Map showing location of Jumbles Reservoir Walk

Starting Point

Address
Jumbles Country Park, Bradshaw Road
Bolton
Greater Manchester
BL2 4JS

Coordinates
Latitude: 53.62144
Longitude: -2.40056

Walk Information

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.1 miles
Time: 1 hours

GPS Route Map - GPX File

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