Gaddings Dam

Gaddings Dam is a Victorian mill dam on upland moors, which has occasionally been used by some intrepid local people for swimming.   The dam has no road access and can only be reached by foot on a half hour walk on either of two steep very rugged footpaths.  There are no facilities for swimmers at the dam:  no toilets, life guards, changing rooms or cafes.  
Recently Gaddings Dam has been visited by crowds of people arriving  by car and parking on the narrow road which leads to Lumbutts and Mankinholes, causing problems for emergency vehicles,  the local minibus and local residents.  Illegally parked cars have been towed away and parking tickets have been issued.   Some visitors have created a direct track to the Dam, which is now very eroded and dangerous.  There have been serious accidents, requiring fell rescue teams and ambulance.  
Please do not try to get to Gaddings Dam by car.   Walkers in appropriate footwear such as hiking boots are welcome. There is an hourly minibus from Todmorden bus station to the beginning of the footpaths, departing at 10 minutes past the hour. 

The Countryside Code

The Countryside Code has for many decades set out information in a concise manner and as a result of the current situation Natural England has developed a revised version of the code reflecting new practices including “give way to others where it’s narrow” and “obey social distancing measures”. Click on The Countryside code for more information