FOULRIDGE Reservoir is a marvellous man-made lake created during the 19th century.

Also known as Lake Burwain, it is the focus of this week's walk.

In the 1920s and 30s, the huge lake would freeze over and grand skating competitions were held. The area had its own champion ice skater - the legendary Sam Ansdell.

The long, hot, never-ending summer of 1959 saw the reservoir dry up completely and it was possible to walk from one end to the other during this wonderful, sun-filled summer. In the long reeds by the side of the dried-up lake, adders were seen for the very first time in living memory, they have not been back since!

The deep waters of the reservoir hold many species of fresh water fish including huge pike, striped perch and silvery roach. Now and again, a mighty eel is pulled out from the depths.

The lake is also home to some superb types of birds. You can see the magnificently handsome Great Crested Grebe, the pterodactyl-like Grey Heron,

the strange calling Curlew, and the Hook-Billed Great Black Backed Gull.

As you go up Smithy Lane, stop and look left to take in the magnificent views of Pendle Hill and Blacko Tower .

Other points of interest on the walk include Langroyd Hall, which was built in 1605 for the Carr family. James Carr wrote the Annals of Colne - the first written history of Colne - and Edward Carr was twice mayor of Colne.

This walk is one of many provided by Pendle Borough Council. For more options, log onto visitpendle.com or call into one of the tourist information centres.

Step by step

Arrive at Colne Rugby Club car park and walk directly across rugby field to access woodland. Follow stone waymarkers through the woodland to Red Lane.

Cross the road, go down Smithy Lane, across the ford and follow the road until you reach the sailing club car park. Take the left pathway which goes behind the clubhouse and continue along the side of Lake Burwain until you reach the gate onto the road.

Turn right and continue along the road until you reach a gate on your right giving access to the other side of the lake. Go through the gate and turn immediately left, following the path through the woodland and fields. Exit onto the road just before the roundabout on the right.

At the roundabout, turn right past the entrance to Langroyd Hall and take the next road on your right (Red Lane). Continue up Red Lane until just before the road narrows, then take the footpath on the left bringing you into the woodland at a different entrance. Look back on a clear day for a spectacular view of Lake Burwain and the Yorkshire Dales.

Follow the footpath down through the woodland, exiting where you entered.

For the more energetic: after passing through the gate, follow the footpath around the other side of Lake Burwain, exiting at the sailing club. Turn left at the road, continue over the ford and back up Smithy Lane.