River Dean facts for kids

A map showing the River Dean and its smaller rivers within its catchment area. The water flows from east to west.

The River Dean is a river in Cheshire, England. It starts high up at Longclough in Macclesfield Forest. This area is on the edge of the Peak District hills, above the village of Rainow in north-east Cheshire.

Where Does the River Dean Flow?

The River Dean begins its journey in the hills. It collects water from several smaller streams. These streams and the river are held back by a dam at Lamaload Reservoir. This reservoir is like a big lake that stores water.

After the dam, the river flows through the village of Rainow. Then it goes through the town of Bollington. It continues across fields between Whiteley Green and Butley Town. Next, it passes through Prestbury. The river then flows through the beautiful grounds of Adlington Hall. Finally, it reaches places like Deanwater and Handforth. The River Dean then joins a bigger river called the River Bollin. This meeting point is between the towns of Wilmslow and Styal.

How is the River Dean Used?

Below the dam at Lamaload Reservoir, there is a waterworks. This is a special facility managed by United Utilities. It cleans and supplies water to homes and businesses. The water stored in Lamaload Reservoir is used to provide drinking water. It supplies places like Rainow, Bollington, and other nearby areas.

In Rainow village, near the road bridge, you can see an old waterworks building. It was built in the early 1900s by the local council.

The River's Journey Through History

After leaving Rainow, the River Dean flows north. It goes down a two-mile-long valley called Ingersley Vale. On its western side is Kerridge Hill. Soon, another stream from Hayles Clough joins the River Dean. This stream starts higher up, to the east of Ginclough.

From Ingersley Vale, the river makes its way through Bollington. It then leaves the hills and flows into the flat Cheshire Plain at Lowerhouse.

The part of the river between Ginclough and Lowerhouse is very important historically. This section of the river had many early watermills. These mills used the power of the flowing water to operate machinery. This area is known as one of the first places where the Industrial Revolution began in this part of England. Some of these old mills are described on the Bollington page.