Drive & Stroll, with Ron Freethy

IT has just been announced that the marked footpaths around Turton and Entwistle Reservoir have been reopened.

So on a dull damp Saturday I followed the circular route. Rain threatened all day but the strong cool wind may have pushed the clouds away.

The area is reached from East Lancashire from the Blackburn to Bolton road. The circular walk is around four kilometres (2 miles) but there is so much to see that I would advise moving slowly and taking a picnic.

Most of the trail is flat and, apart from the odd section, the route is easily suitable for wheelchairs. Even the narrow stretches can be negotiated with care. There is a car park at the bottom of Batridge Road.

This route always satisfies my twin demands. I love a balance between history and natural history and the origin of place names fascinates me.

The name Entwistle, according to most experts, translates as "an area of land close to the fork of a river."

This would once have been accurate but the construction of the reservoir changed all that.

Cadshaw Brook, which now feeds Entwistle Reservoir, and Broadhead Brook were impounded to supply Wayoh Reservoir. The two brooks once merged close to the supports of Armsgrove Viaduct, which carries the Blackburn-Bolton railway line. There are wonderful views of the reservoir from the train.

As early as 1831 the bleach works of the area between Turton and Bolton needed a reliable supply of water and by 1838 the reservoir was operational. In 1864 Entwistle Reservoir was compulsorily purchased by Bolton Corporation and it is now part of the United Utilities network. During the stroll Cadshaw Brook can easily be seen as I crossed two stout bridges. Upstream is an impressive rocky outcrop still known as the Fairy Battery.

Rock climbers still love the battery but in the 17th century the remote area was a secret meeting for nonconformist worshippers. Some confusion has been caused by the use of term Walmsley Nonconformists, given to a group of people who refused to conform to the official prayer book and services.

Walmsley was in fact the old name for Egerton and so the Fairy Battery is an important part of ecclesiastical history.

My return journey from the battery brought me into close contact with nature, which itself has something of a spiritual appeal.

Reservoir managers are much more sensitive to wildlife and walkers these days. Shallow areas are encouraged and plants such as sedges are allowed to flourish. These provide excellent resting areas for birds and insects, especially butterflies and dragonflies.

This time of the year is perfect for dragonflies. On dull misty days they do not move as quickly as on hot days. This makes them much easier to observe.

In the deeper stretches I was able to observe three male tufted ducks. Two were in their moult but one individual was still in his splendid black and white breeding plumage.

As I reached the car park I read through my notes and consulted the map. Those who arrive in the area by train from Blackburn are soon looking at Entwistle Hall Lane.

There are records to show that the Entwistle family dates back to the 13th century and Sir Bertine de Entwistle fought against the French with Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

This is one easily accessible stroll which should be high on the list of those who want a day in the countryside without travelling too far.