Toddbrook Reservoir
Situated above the town of Whaley Bridge in the High Peak, in a superbly attractive location, Toddbrook Reservoir offers a variety of walking trails for ramblers. The reservoir is also home to a sailing club.
The reservoir was constructed in 1831 and like nearby Combs Reservoir, on the road to Chapel-en-le-Frith, it is as a feeder for the Peak Forest Canal . The feeder runs though Whaley Bridge, and (along with the Combs feed) enters the canal system in a pool close to the transhipments shed at the Whaley Bridge Canal Basin.
Toddbrook Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It provides habitat for herons, ducks and other animals and fish. Also rare mosses and liverworts grow on its shores, particularly short-lived species that grow on seasonally exposed mud. It hosts many sailing events including DYS (Derbyshire Youth Sailing).
Todd Brook brook itself rises beneath Shining Tor on the border between Cheshire and Derbyshire. It flows northwards through Cheshire, forming the border between the two counties before filling Toddbrook Reservoir.
A walk to Toddbrook Reservoir from Whaley Bridge
Distance- Around 4 miles
*Commencing at the car park by train station at the town of Whaley Bridge walk up the road then take the first left turn into Reservoir Road. Continue walking up the road for less than a mile to reach Toddbrook Reservoir.
*Continue along the side road and walk up through the woods to join a country lane passing Pennant End.
*On arriving at Kishfield Bridge, cross the bridge then take the next stile on your left and ascend the hill towards Gap House. Cross the road and continue up passing disused quarries before descending via Walker Brow and through a small housing estate.
*On reaching Reddish Farm, pass the dam, but do not cross it, proceed down, passing a skate park and war memorial before crossing a bridge to return to the car park at Whaley Bridge.