Jumbles opened in 1971 and United Utilities looks after it as one of its reservoir sites. The walk is the whole offer: a circular route round the water, mostly flat, a few short climbs, with woodland on one side and open valley on the other. United Utilities says pushchairs and wheelchairs are suitable for the reservoir itself, and that holds for the main loop. It does not hold for the paths that climb away from it.
The cafe sits next to the Waterfold car park on Bradshaw Road and United Utilities lists it as open 10.30am to 4.15pm. A sailing club uses the water, Darwen Loyal Angling Club looks after the fishing, and United Utilities runs occasional dam tours, which is the one to remember if you have a child who likes engineering more than ducks. Two car parks serve the site, Waterfold at BL2 4JS and Entwistle at BL7 0LU further up the valley. Bromley Cross station is within walking distance if you would rather not drive at all. Nothing here costs money, which makes the 10.30am car park opening easier to forgive.
What it costs: Free. United Utilities lists no charge for the Waterfold car park or for access to the reservoir path.
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