Page created on: 22/09/2002 / Last Updated: 26/04/2009 13:18:33 |
Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough
Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, Lancs
 |
 7/10 |
| Type: |
Countryside Park |
| Price: |
Free |
| NT: |
NO |
| Location: |
Rochdale, Lancs |
| Overview: |
Nice walks, watersports | | |
Situated about 4 miles outside of Rochdale town Centre and about 4 miles from the M62 at Jct 21, this Lake was originally built (Yes, its man made and was finished in 1801 and in use from 1805) to supply water to the Rochdale canal which is located less than 1 mile away. This was done to belay the fears of local mill owners that the canal would take water away from the local rivers, as most of the mills in the area at the time where powered using water wheels. The lake holds an estimated 92 million cubic feet or 2,605,149 cubic metres and covers 130 acres.
These days the lake is more a place of leisure than a working item. The lake is used for variety of water sports such as canoeing and sailing, it is reputed that Captain Webb used the lake to get some practice before his cross channel swim. I don´t know if this is true but I´m sure the water is the same temperature after having swam in both!
 As well as the water activities, which are best left to the brave, the Hollingworth Lake Country park facility is home to a vast network of path and woodland walks, which stretch out away from the lake towards Littleborough and Milnrow, the nearest towns. The lake itself has a path which runs around its perimeter which can also be easily walked. This is about 2.25 miles round trip and is nearly all flat so can be enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels.
In summer the lakes cruise boat the Lady Alice is in operation which ferries customers from one side to the other should you feel sufficiently lazy. Last time I enquired was about in 2001, and the price was £1.50 for adults. Row boats can be hired for about £4.50 for 40 minutes. Again this price maybe out of date!
If you approach the lake from Rochdale or Milnrow then you will come to the main car park on your right, this is nearly always full!. If you carry on towards the white pub, whose name escapes me, but I think its the Plough! But once you have driven past the pub, turning right you will then come to the visitors centre which always seems to be open at weekends only. There is a car park here. You can park here if you want but its always been bad for car theft. If you want to park near the lake and some where relatively safe then park in the car park opposite the white pub, the car park is down off the road in a dip. Its sign posted and you should be able to get a parking space pretty easily.
If your going to walk around the lake there is a visitors centre around the back, and this also doubles as a café. Behind this is a kids playground.
Walking around the park is a joy and if you go anti-clockwise round the lake you will come to the wildlife area of the lake about 2/3 of the way round where you can see a variety of animals but mainly birds. I am told by those in the know about birds that the lake is an excellent place for bird spotting at certain times of the year. As well as birds but depending on what time of day you visit you might see rabbits and even foxes.
If you want shopping then there is nothing here except a few cafes, a ice cream shop and 2 pubs.
If you´re doing nothing mid week then the lake is ideal for a nice bit of piece and quiet, a place for quiet contemplation however at weekends don´t get upset if you´re not sat on a park bench on your own.
Contacts
Hollingworth Lake Country Park and Visitor Centre, Rakewood Road, Littleborough, OL15 0AQ
Telephone: 01706 373421 Fax: 01706 378753
Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre, Lakebank, Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, OL15 0DQ
Telephone: 01706 370499 Fax: 01706 370499
Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club, Lake Bank, Littleborough, OL15 0DQ
Telephone: 01706 377261
Web: http://www.hollingworthlakerowingclub.co.uk
Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club, Lake Bank, Littleborough, Lancashire, OL15 0DQ
Telephone: 01706 378723
Web: http://www.hlsc.org.uk/
Hollingworth Lake Caravan Park, Round House Farm, Rakewood Road, Littleborough, OL15 0AT
Tel: 01706 378661
Links
» Rochdale Councils Hollingworth Lake Pages Recommended Books & Products relating to this page: (Links to Amazon)
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed below are strictly those of the individual author/poster. The views and opinions shown below are not necessarily those of Mike Porter, his associates and/or sponsors. We do not endorse any view below or necessarily agree/disagree with these views. Views posted below are entirely those of the poster, not me!
Memories of ´The Lake´
I remember as a young lad spending time at the lake. We, a group of about 6 boys came up from Littleborough via the station, Armour Hess and onto the lake bank. This was in the early 50 s. Our father had a papershop- Greenwoods on Harehill road and we lived in an age of freedom for children. Allowed to roam and explore. One of our friends had a dingy and we sailed up and down as only young boys do. They were great times and I sometimes come back from Heysham to remind myself that the world was a much gentler place than it is now.
Incedently my brother Steven and sister Kathryn and I had a Grandad Clegg who was part owner of Rakewood mill farther on up the valley from the lake.
Thanks for those days. I would be interested if any one can give me information about Rakewood mill or the surrounding area.
Posted by: Chris Greenwood on 15 November 2009
MOBILITY SCOOTER
My husband uses a mobility scooter and as found acsess on the path round the lake quite good there are a few pot holes but thats to be expected ,people on horseback and bikeriders are very good they either stop or go very slow ,children are fasinated by the scooter one little boy even asked his dad if he could have one,we left it to his dad to explain why my husband was useing the scooter,if the weather is nice tomorrow we are going up to the lake
Posted by: DELYSE EDWARDS on 04 August 2009
The Lake
I am led to believe that there is a village underneath the lake. Could you please let me know if this is true.
mykp says:
Ann, Not quite a village, if I remember rightly it was described as "the hamlet of hollingworth"
I know during the 1976 heatwave the lake level dipped quite low and I dont remember seeing any buildings appearing, but I was only 7 at the time.
Watergrove at Wardle has the village of Watergrove underneath and when we get a severe drought you can actually see some the remains of old buildings and walk down the main high street, cobbles and all.
This link from the Rochdale Observer might be of some use. Hollingworth Lake Hostory
Posted by: Ann Brown on 23 April 2009
disabled
would it be suitable to go round the lake in a wheelchair
mykp says:
Some areas around the lake are not suitable for a wheel chair as they can get pot holes and rutts in them. If you wish to walk round the lake then you can use a wheelchair from the White pub to the cafe roud the back as this has a proper access road.
Posted by: judy dean on 15 April 2009
dog friendly pubs
does anyone know if there are any pubs or cafes around the lake where we can eat and take our dog in with us. have been recommended this for a day out but not been yet.
mykp says:
not at the lake as far as I know.
Posted by: Trudy Jones on 11 April 2009
Visitors to the late
Do you have a rough idea of how many visitors a year go to the lake?
mykp says:
Sorry, no!
Posted by: J Howard on 15 January 2009
Hollingworth Lake
If my husband and I fancy a long relaxing stroll, we come to Hollingworth Lake, although it is a good few miles out for us living in Tameside, we love coming here.
Not only is it an enjoyable stroll, you meets lots of friendly people and we always stop off at the local pub for a pint and stare appreciatively at the motorbikes that congregate there everyday.
For young and old alike, everyone can go, kids love it to.
Posted by: Nikki on 12 January 2009
hollingworthlake
beautiful well worth a visit on my doorstep
Posted by: sue ratcliffe on 02 January 2009
LOVE
i love hollingworth lake and staff ball is the best at wind surfing!!!!
mykp says:
Who or what is "Staff Ball"?
Posted by: BOB on 01 December 2008
Thanks for the info
Mike, Just a quick thanks for the information.
Me and the family took a drive to Hollingworth Lake this weekend and had a walk around the lake. Doe you know what the building is round the back with all the boats outside?
david
mykp says:
David its the Sea Cadets Place, if I remember rightly.
Posted by: David Percival on 08 September 2008
Comments
The white pub used to be called the fisherman and to locals is still the fish but is now called the wine press. The Beach pub does nice meals buy two the cheapest is free. There are also a restuarant and cafe and the famous Mr thomas take away and cafe. Weekends and school hols are busy but in the week it is pleasant to watch the wildlife and the walks are lovely.
Posted by: sylvia white on 18 August 2008
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by J.B. Davenport
by George Kelsall, K. Parry
