Chew Reservoir
Visit this pretty reservoir in the Peak District and enjoy great views over Saddleworth Moor on this walk near Mossley.
You can start your walk from the Dovestone Reservoir car park and follow the Oldham Way over the Chew Hills to reach the reservoir. It's about a 3 mile walk to the reservoir, passing along Dovestone Reservoir and its adjacent woodland before the climb to Chew Reservoir. It's quite a big climb with the reservoir located in an elevated position some 1,600 feet (488 m) above sea level. From the high points there are fine views over the surrounding moorland and hills. The paths are generally good with part of the walk following the surfaced Chew Road and the pretty Chew Brook. When you reach the reservoir you can follow a footpath along the southern side of the water.
To extend your walk you could continue towards Laddow Moss where you can pick up the Pennine Way and follow it to the nearby Torside Reservoir.
Chew Reservoir Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map
Chew Reservoir Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map
Chew Reservoir OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Chew Reservoir Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
After your exercise head west into the village of Greenfield and enjoy refreshments at the King William IV Hotel on Chew Valley Rd, OL3 7DD. There's a great menu and a lovely beer garden to sit out and relax in when the weather is fine.
If you have time head to Mossley and visit the Roaches Lock Inn. The pub's main attraction is a lovely beer garden with fine views of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. It's an ideal spot for a rest on a fine day. You can find it at 387 Manchester Road with postcode OL5 9BB for your sat nav. There's also the option of walking into Mossley from the reservoir by following the waymarked Oldham Way west for about 3 miles.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The circular walk to Alphin Pike passes the reservoir. If you follow the trail north west it will take you up to the hill top where there are some fine views over the area. You will also pass Wimbury Rocks and Indian Head where there are some photogenic rock formations.