Premium Walk
Lamaload Reservoir
Walk Highlights
- Nearest Town:
- Macclesfield
- Postcode:
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- Parking:
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- Distance:
- 2.30 miles
- Time:
- 1.10 hours
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
- Terrain:
Terrain: Hilly and varied. Paths from the car park lead steeply up into coniferous and mixed woodlands. Tracks can be well-surfaced forest roads (stone/gravel) but are often steep. Smaller footpaths are earthier, very uneven, rooty, rocky, and can be extremely muddy and boggy, especially on higher moorland fringes or in less-walked woodland sections. Significant ascents and descents are involved to get views or link to wider path networks.
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3-Day Dog Walking Forecast
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Ground Conditions
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Dog-Centric Details
- Poo Bins Available:
- No
- Secure/Fenced Area:
- No
- Dog Water Source:
- No
- Dog Notes:
Dog Considerations:
- Leads: Lamaload is surrounded by farmland and open access moorland where livestock (mainly sheep) graze freely. Dogs **MUST be kept on leads or under extremely close and reliable control at all times**, especially when sheep are present (which is highly likely on any paths leading away from the immediate reservoir vicinity) and during bird nesting season on moorland (March 1st to July 31st). Even in woodland, deer or other wildlife might be encountered.
- Water: The reservoir itself is a drinking water supply, and direct access for dogs to swim is generally **discouraged or prohibited** by United Utilities to protect water quality. Small streams and brooks flow into the reservoir through the woods, which may offer cleaner paddling spots. Carry fresh water, especially for hill climbs.
- Wildlife & Livestock: Sheep are common on surrounding hills. Deer, foxes, squirrels, and diverse woodland/upland birds. Strict control of dogs is vital.
- Dog Bins: May be a bin at the car park. Extremely unlikely on the wider path network or in the woods/on moorland. You **MUST** take all dog waste home with you.
- Hazards: Livestock. Very steep, muddy, and slippery paths. Uneven, rocky ground. Deep water in reservoir (keep dogs well clear of steep banks/overflows). Ticks common in woodland/bracken. Can be remote if venturing onto higher moorland. Sudden weather changes.
- Stamina & Agility: Suitable for fit dogs accustomed to steep, challenging, and often rough terrain.
- EV Charger Nearby:
- No
- Fuel Station Nearby:
- No
- Livestock Information:
- Off-Leash Policy:
- Partial Off-Leash
- Dog Traffic:
- Moderate
- Seasonal Advice:
- Height Restriction:
- No
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About this Walk
Starting Point: Lamaload Reservoir car park, off Lamaload Road, Rainow, Macclesfield (Postcode: SK10 5XJ is approximate for the access road; the car park is at the end of this road by the reservoir). This is a United Utilities site.
Approximate Distance: A basic walk around Lamaload Reservoir itsel...