Lamaload Reservoir
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Lamaload Reservoir | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Location | Cheshire |
| Coordinates | |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | River Dean |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
Lamaload Reservoir is a reservoir near Rainow, Cheshire, England (grid reference SJ972750). It lies in the South West Peak within the Peak District National Park, to the west of the Goyt Valley, and is fed by the River Dean. It serves Macclesfield, which lies to its west. The reservoir and associated water treatment works are owned by United Utilities.
Built between 1958 and 1964 by Costain Construction Company, Lamaload was the first concrete reservoir in England.[1] At 308 metres above sea level, it is the highest constructed dam in England,[1] succeeding Chew Reservoir to that title. The dam is of a round-headed buttress type construction and can contain 420,000,000 imperial gallons (1,910,000 m³) of water forming the reservoir.[citation needed] Maintenance workers' houses were constructed at the same time as the dam on the site of the ruins of Lamaload Farm House.[citation needed]
Among the most popular locations for tourists in the SW Peak,[2] Lamaload is used for fishing and birdwatching, and also forms an important access point for walkers to the surrounding moorland. Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire, and Windgather Rocks lie within a few miles. The reservoir is surrounded by moorland, broad-leaved woodland and plantations of larch and pine. Facilities include a car park (not open all year) and picnic tables.
