Gaddings Dam

Gaddings Dam is an early Victorian earth embankment reservoir situated high on the moors above Todmorden. The reservoir has no vehicle access and can only be reached by a steep hike to the top of the moors. There are no facilities whatsoever at the dam and visitors should be suitably equiped and experienced for fell walking and be responsible for their own navigation and safety. It is often described as having the 'highest beach in England' which is quite incorrect. In fact the 'beach' is a small patch of dirty sand in one corner which is often submerged. The easiest approach is along the Pennine Way, parking by the White House pub on the A58 and following the PW north until just past Warland Reservoir, where a footpath turns off West to reach Gaddings Dam. Approaching from Lumbutts is difficult and not recommended due to severe lack of parking space and a dangerously eroded footpath.