Constructed between 1866 and 1876 by the Great and Little Bolton Waterworks Co. to provide compensation for water loss downstream in the Bradshaw brook after they diverted water away from the nearby Entwistle Reservoir. Wayoh reservoir was much smaller at the time and it’s capacity was doubled in 1962.
The valley beneath the reservoir contained a few historic industrial buildings and remains, some of which can be easily seen at times of low water as various low-walls and what seem to be remains of former water leets or channels. There are also some large, stone mounting blocks nearby - but I am yet to look up what they are from. Maybe some sort of crane.
The Wayoh area is now very popular for walking and is easily accessed from the same car park as Turton and Entwistle reservoir. Wayoh Reservoir is quite large but an amusingly curved bridge allows for a shorter route. The water’s edge is accessible in places which makes the lake a good place for summer fun with dogs.
Wayoh reservoir has a long outflow in very shallow cascades down to the waterworks at the southern end of the reservoir. It also has a fancy overflow system in the form of a large drop-hole that can be seen from the top of the dam. At times when water is falling down an eerie-looking mist forms above the hole in certain weather. The overflow is accessed from the dam but has a spiked gate so you can’t easily get a good look.
At the North end of Wayoh Reservoir there is a railway viaduct that is a favourite subject for photographers, a public footpath passes under the viaduct leading to the Batridge Road car parks.
Wayoh Reservoir image by munki-boy
Viaduct over Wayoh Reservoir image by munki-boy
Water Treatment Plant at Wayoh image by munki-boy
The reservoir overflow at Wayoh image by munki-boy
