SD9117 : Watergrove History Wall, greater (northern) part
taken 8 years ago, near to Wardle, Rochdale, England
Watergrove Reservoir and valley is a grade A Site of Biological Importance (SBI), close to the village of Wardle, approximately 3 miles to the north-east of Rochdale in a south facing moorland valley. Enclosing the valley is a spectacular horseshoe shape ridge of hills, the summits of which are approximately 400 metres above sea level and give spectacular views across the whole area, from the Yorkshire border to the centre of Manchester and the Cheshire Plain.
Covering 96 acres, Watergrove is the largest of Rochdale’s reservoirs. The ruins of the old village of Water Grove* lie submerged under the large expanse of water, and dotted around the landscape above the reservoir there are several ruins originally belonging to the drowned village.
Parliamentary powers for the construction of Watergrove Reservoir were obtained in 1930, and it was constructed between 1930 and 1938 being officially opened by Alderman T. Elvyn Kershaw, JP, on April 6th 1938.
The two and a quarter mile walk around the reservoir takes about an hour and a half(or probably less if you don’t keep stopping to take photographs!) There are also other longer waymarked walks in the valley.
Link – Link4Life Opening of Watergrove Reservoir
Link - A site guide by Steve Atkins
Link - Walks For Health, Watergrove Reservoir
Link - Watergrove Reservoir (Wikipedia)
*note on maps, the old village is named as Water Grove (two words) but the reservoir was named Watergrove (ie one word).