📜 An 1833 earth embankment dam, famously rescued and maintained by a local preservation group.
🏖️ Known for its unique high-altitude sandy beach and challenging moorland hike.
🌊 Discover Britain's highest beach, a unique sandy spot atop the moors
🚶♀️ Embark on a rewarding hike with stunning panoramic views
🏞️ Experience a preserved heritage site, maintained by dedicated volunteers
🔍 Hunt for ancient stigmaria fossils on the South Beach
📚 Learn about the dam's fascinating history, from its construction to its rescue
⛰️ Reaching the dam requires a steep, rough hike; not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs
🌬️ The location is very exposed and often windy; be prepared for cold conditions
☀️ Limited shade available, sun block is advisable on sunny days
🚗 Parking is very limited and can be challenging on busy days
⚠️ Direct path from Shepherd's Rest is steep and has reported accidents on descent
🚶♀️ Access is by foot only via steep footpaths from Walsden, Todmorden, or Lumbutts village.
🚌 From Todmorden station (trains from Leeds/Manchester), catch the Walsden Circular (T6 or T8) to the Shepherd's Rest pub.
🗺️ Two longer, easier, and safer routes are available from the Shepherd's Rest gate (approx. 40 minutes walk).
🅿️ Limited parking on Lumbutts Road; obey double yellow lines for essential passing places.
🚫 Do not use the Shepherd's Rest pub car park.
⛔ Parking on Lumbutts Road west of the pub is strictly prohibited to avoid blocking buses and emergency vehicles.
🚶♀️ Consider drop-offs and parking elsewhere on busy weekends, with a 45-minute hike from Todmorden or Walsden.
🥾 Wear hiking boots due to rough terrain.
🌦️ Check the weather forecast and prepare for cold, windy conditions.
🧴 Bring sun block as there is no shade.
🗑️ Take all litter home; barbecues are discouraged.
🤝 Gaddings Dam Preservation Company Ltd (Gaddings Dam Group), a not-for-profit run by unpaid volunteers.
💖 Relies on donations and subscriptions from 'Friends of Gaddings Dam' to maintain the site.
🏗️ Constructed in 1833 by Jeremiah Jackson and John Backer to supply water to Lumbutts mills.
⛓️ Reputedly built using convict labour, with theories supported by 'Jail Hole Quarry' and 'Government arrow' stones.
📜 Historical records mention drownings, a shooting range, and a prize fight in the late 19th century.
💧 Drained for periods in the 20th century, notably empty from 1933 until the 1960s when it was refilled.
📏 Water area: 56,340 square metres; Average depth: 2 metres; Maximum depth: 4 metres.
🏞️ Altitude: 355 metres.
🧪 pH: 4.7; Total dissolved solids: 18mg/litre.
🌊 Outflow: Siphon, up to 1500 litres/minute, with additional siphons for high rainfall.
🏖️ Famous sandy beach formed from weathered gritstone, pushed into the north-east corner by winds and waves.
🐚 Sand layer is about 10cm deep, covering gravel and peaty clay.
🌳 South Beach is a notable spot for finding stigmaria fossils (fossilized rhizomes of Lepidodendron trees).
⚠️ Erosion of the embankment behind the beach is an ongoing issue, exacerbated by visitors removing stones.