Dovestone Reservoir Circular Walk

Enjoy an easy circular walk around this beautiful reservoir on Saddleworth Moor, a few miles east of Oldham on the edge of the Peak District. A well-maintained footpath follows the shoreline, offering lovely views across the water to the surrounding hills and gritstone crags.
The reservoir is set in a popular walking area of open moorland, woodland and rocky outcrops.... Near the dam, look out for the waterfalls at Dovestone Clough, while the Chew Hills at the southern end offer a more challenging climb and rewarding views back across the reservoir. The contrast between the peaceful water, rugged hillsides and exposed gritstone makes this an especially scenic corner of the Peak District.
The walk starts from the car park at the south-western end of the reservoir. You can also reach the area by train, with nearby Mossley providing an alternative starting point via the Oldham Way. You can extend the walk by heading north to Yeoman Hey Reservoir and Greenfield Reservoir, where the route takes in attractive scenery along Greenfield Brook. Alternatively, follow the Oldham Way east towards the neighbouring Chew Reservoir.
For a longer outing, head to Great Dovestone Rocks on the eastern side of the reservoir. This fascinating geological feature provides fine views over the surrounding Peak District landscape. Our Dovestone Rocks circular walk starts from the same car park and takes in Chew Reservoir as well.
To extend your walk you could climb across Saddleworth Moor for fantastic views over the reservoirs. Just a short distance to the west you can enjoy a climb to Pots and Pans. The noteworthy hill includes interesting rock formations, an obelisk war memorial and fine views to Manchester.
Postcode: OL3 7NE
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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.
The circular walk from Uppermill takes you along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal before heading to the reservoir. It's a nice way to visit the area from an attractive and interesting canalside village.
A few miles to the west there's more nice waterside walking around the two reservoirs at Strinesdale Country Park.
The climb to Alphin Pike starts from the reservoir car park. From the hill top their are excellent views back down to the reservoir. You will also pass Wimbury Rocks and Indian Head where there are some photogenic rock formations.
The walk to the nearby Trinnacle also starts at the lake. There's another interesting rocky outcrop to see here.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Greater Manchester Walks, the South Pennines Walks and the Peak District Walks pages.

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Chew Reservoir Saddleworth Moor Oldham Way Greenfield Reservoir Pots and Pans Dovestone Rocks Uppermill Huddersfield Narrow Canal Strinesdale Country Park Alphin Pike Trinnacle

Photos

Dovestones Reservoir Located above the village of Greenfield Dovestones Reservoir was built in 1967 to supply drinking water for the Oldham area. Today the reservoir is quite a tourist attraction offering many walks amongst the picturesque surroundings of the Peak District National Park

Dovestones from Alphin Hill. The reservoir is located in a wonderful spot in the north west edge of the Peak District's Dark Peak area where the valleys of the Greenfield and Chew Brooks converge.

Chew Piece Plantation and Dovestone Reservoir. Native woodland, predominantly consisting of mature oak and birch trees, borders the reservoir, creating a shaded environment where wildflowers such as bluebells, primroses, and heather can flourish in spring and early summer. On the reservoir’s fringes, moist, peaty soils encourage the growth of mosses and ferns. The clear, cool waters are home to species of fish including brown trout and perch, while the reservoir and its banks attract a variety of waterfowl such as ducks and swans, and raptors like kestrels and buzzards can often be seen overhead. Small mammals, including rabbits and foxes, are also common in the surrounding habitat, adding to the overall biodiversity of the area.

Dovestone Reservoir Overflow. Modifications to the overflow at Dovestone reservoir have had to be made after people were repeatedly climbing into the overflow and sitting on the circular ledges above the sheer 150 foot drop inside. The modifications have included the stainless steel climb proof fencing bolted all around the perimeter of the overflow which still allows the flow of water to pass through.

View from the northern end of the dam wall by the spillway.
Some statistics on the dams dimensions: its earth embankment is 38 metres high and 550 metres in length. It is 4.25 metres wide at the crest and 183 metres at the widest point at its base.

Dovestones Reservoir Dam Head. A lone walker makes their way back to the car park.

The Outflow at the reservoir. Dean Rocks and Great Dove Stone Rocks can be seen left hand skyline.

Mills below the reservoir. Nestling in the valley bottom, these are unfortunately now disused. Alderman's Hill is the other side of the valley.

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