Dovestone Rocks
This walk climbs to a series of wonderful viewpoints overlooking Dovestone Reservoir in the dark peak area of the Peak District. The challenging route runs for just over 6 miles, visiting the Ashway Stone, Dean Rocks, Great Dovestone Rocks and Chew Reservoir.
Start the walk from the car park at the northern end of Dovestone Reservoir. From here you can pick up a path running east between the reservoir and the adjacent Yeoman Hey Reservoir. The path then climbs to the Ashway Stone before turning south to Dean Rocks and Great Dovestone Rocks. This section climbs to a height of over 1550ft with magnificent views over the surrounding reservoirs and peaks. There's also a series of striking rock formations so be sure to have a camera handy here.
The route continues south past Bramley's Cot before descending to Chew Reservoir. There's nice views across the water as you skirt the western edge.
The route then turns north west to climb toward Dish Stone Rock and the Chew Hills. Here you pick up the Oldham Way long distance trail to pass along the eastern edge of Dovestone Reservoir. This will lead you back to the northern end of the water and the car park.
To extend your walk you can enjoy a full circuit of the reservoir. There is a well maintained footpath running around the water with splendid views of the surrounding moorland. There's also the Saddleworth Moor Walk which climbs across the moor, offering more wonderful views.
Dovestone Rocks Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Dovestone Rocks Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Dovestone Rocks OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Dovestone Rocks 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.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The climb to Alphin Pike also starts from the reservoir. 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.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Cairn on Foxstone at Great Dovestone Rocks
Walkers on Dean Rocks above Dovestone Reservoir
Dean Rocks
Great Dove Stone Rocks, Dovestone Reservoir is in the middle distance and Alphin Pike on the horizon
Dean Rocks Looking west towards Dovestone Reservoir from the edge of the moorland plateau
Dish Stone Rocks - just west of Chew Reservoir. Cliff face with the Dish Stone on top.
From above Great Dove Stone Rocks
Chew Reservoir