Stocks Reservoir

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Yorkshire Ribble Valley

England

Stocks Reservoir

Stocks Reservoir is a large man-made freshwater lake located in the county of Yorkshire, England. It covers an area of approximately 350 acres and is situated in the beautiful Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The reservoir was constructed in the early 1930s to supply drinking water to the nearby towns and villages.

Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant woodlands, Stocks Reservoir offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. Its calm and clear waters are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. The reservoir is particularly renowned for its population of wildfowl, including tufted ducks, teal, and wigeons.

Fishing is a popular activity at Stocks Reservoir, with anglers flocking to the lake to try their luck at catching trout. The reservoir is well-stocked with both brown and rainbow trout, providing an excellent opportunity for both experienced and novice fishermen. Permits are required for fishing and can be obtained from the on-site fishing lodge.

The reservoir is also a popular destination for leisurely walks and picnics. A scenic path around the lake offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, while designated picnic spots provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

Overall, Stocks Reservoir is a stunning freshwater lake set in a picturesque location. With its diverse wildlife, excellent fishing opportunities, and beautiful surroundings, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Yorkshire.

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Stocks Reservoir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.994075/-2.4172878 or Grid Reference SD7255. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View of Forest of Bowland from near Stocks Reservoir

The view shows the River Hodder just after it flows into the Stocks reservoir. It flows south to join the River Ribble. The hills in the distance are part of the Forest of Bowland

Rod Grealish

River Hodder entering Stocks Reservoir

The photo shows the point at which the River Hodder enters the Stocks Reservoir. The reservoir is at a particularly low level. It was opened in 1932 and supplies Blackpool and the Fylde coast. There are a number of waymarked forest walks and cycle routes. Trout fishing is available.

Rod Grealish

The entrance to Gisburn Forest Hub

From Hole House Lane, which used to be a very quiet road, the entrance to Gisburn Forest Hub and the Stephen Park Centre now attracts a lot more traffic than when I last passed this way (probably over thirty years ago). The track leads to probably the biggest car park in the forest, and the sign suggest that it is not a free one (I didn't park here, so cannot vouch for this). Beyond the car park, the network of tracks become essentially traffic-free and is popular with moountain bikers.

Andy Waddington

Track to Brookhouse Green

A brief break from mountain biking to nip down the track to Brookhouse Green and the square just beyond it on foot, as this is a public footpath, not a bridleway. A shower had just scudded past - enough to quickly don a waterproof, but not really enough to actually get wet, so it was back off in time for the rainbow which ensued a few minutes later.

Andy Waddington

Track between Rain Gill and Brookhouse Green

A brief sunny interlude after a short light shower gives nice light and shade on this farm track, looking towards Brookhouse Green and the way back to the minor road from Clapham to Slaidburn.

Andy Waddington

St. James' Church, Dalehead

A sign by the path in, on the left (west) says "Dalehead Church and Heritage Centre". Heritage possibly doesn't need a lot of energy - the centre has a wind turbine, but it seems to be well below tree-top height, which must limit its ability to kick out power. On the bright side, not many people seem to die here - it's an extensive graveyard with very few headstones.

Andy Waddington

Tiny stream in Gisburn Forest

A public footpath leaves School Lane to head northwest into the forest, but is scarcely visible on the ground. Crossing this stream, it climbs the muddy bank above to meet a recently made decent path, where the public right of way follows it for a short while towards Stocks reservoir before resuming its course into the forest and becoming totally vague once more. The new path also continues northeast, not a right of way but clearly much more frequented than the public footpath itself. Downhill, the new path passes into the open near the shore of the reservoir, and quite close to the car park at the corner of School Lane.

Andy Waddington

Bird hide above the shore of Stocks Reservoir

Tucked away on the edge of the forest, overlooking the shore of Stocks Reservoir, United Utilities have provided this and at least one other wildlife hide. It really is quite well concealed, whilst offering a clear view over many geese at the upstream end of the water (at least today). A barbed wire fence effectively deters one from getting any closer to the water, or, indeed, getting a clearer picture of the hide itself.

Andy Waddington