Nestled on the hills above the village of Greenfield, Dovestone Reservoir continues to attract ramblers from far and wide for its spectacular scenery, varied wildlife and abundance of walking trails.
Just a 45-minute drive from Manchester city centre, the reservoir provides city-dwellers with a well needed dose of tranquillity and provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
Having personally visited this beauty spot many times over the years, surrounding the standard Dovestone Reservoir walk you’ll also discover that the neighbouring area is crammed full of interesting sights to see.
With an array of adventures big and small, its no wonder why visitors keep returning again and again!
Interested in planning a walk around Dovestones Reservoir for yourself? Then check out our detailed guide below 👇
Dovestone Reservoir Circular Walk
Dovestones Reservoir Walk – Route Info
Length: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 mins
Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
Difficulty: Very easy
Starting Point: Dove Stone Reservoir Car Park, Bank Lane, Oldham, OL3 7NE
A flat, easy-to-follow out and incredibly picturesque circular route, the standard walk around Dovestone Reservoir is a fun little ramble that’s suitable for all abilities.
Particularly popular amongst families, along the way you’ll also be able to take in views of Yeoman Hey Reservoir and explore the nearby woodland paths.
Also home to a lovely picnic area, on a dry day it’s well worth packing some grub and taking a respite to refuel and appreciate the stunning craggy landscape .
How long is the walk around Dovestone Reservoir?
At a relaxed pace, it shouldn’t take much longer than an hour to walk the standard circular route around Dovestone Reservoir.
However, it’s certainly worth allowing more time here if you’d like to divert into the woodlands and make the most of its fantastic picnic area!
Can you swim at Dovestones?
No. It’s important to never swim in a reservoir. They are not designed for wild swimming and pose a serious risk to anyone entering the water. Hidden machinery beneath the surface can cause injuries and while the embankment may look calm, in reality the current could be very strong due to pumps swooshing the water around.
Is Dovestone Reservoir walk pram and wheelchair-friendly?
Yes – the standard Dovestones Reservoir Circular Walk has a well-laid out and flat gravel path throughout which is suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
How do you climb Dovestones?
A popular route for more adventurous types, some hikers opt to extend their walk around the reservoir by climbing the steep hills of Saddleworth Moor above Dovestones.
Look for the off-shoot hillside trail on the eastern side of the reservoir. Following this path all the way to the top provides amazing panoramic Peak District views and takes you directly to the iconic rock formation known as The Trinnacle.
The Trinnacle Trail
Exploding in popularity during recent years, The Trinnacle now attracts hordes of hikers eager to clamber on top of the stone pillars and snap an impressive picture overlooking the valley.
Dubbed ‘The Trinnacle Trail’, this route takes you up the hillsides of Saddleworth Moor and towards the three-pronged stone pillar, before descending via an exhilarating scramble beside Greenfield Brook.
Typically recommended for more experienced hikers and reasonably fit visitors, this route may prove difficult for children and requires a sturdy pair of walking boots due to the rocky and uneven terrain.
For a full breakdown on this spectacular ramble, be sure to head over to our Trinnacle Trail Guide here!
Dovestones – Other points of interest
Yeoman Hey Reservoir
Completed in 1880, Yeoman Hey Reservoir sits adjacent to Dovestones and is perhaps best known for the commemorative stone laid by the King of Tonga in 1981. Hiding on the western corner of the embankment, the stone was placed here during the King’s visit to the UK for the Royal Wedding.
See if you can spot it during your walk around the glistening lakeside path!
Greenfield Reservoir & Greenfield Waterfall
If you decide to tackle The Trinnacle Trail or simply fancy a walk to the far end of Greenfield Reservoir, you’ll be treated to gorgeous vistas of Greenfield Waterfall.
Guaranteed to be a favourite among those who enjoy a bit of scrambling, don’t forget to take a moment to admire the cascading falls as you navigate the rocky terrain beside the brook.
Other Resources
Looking for more adventures in the local area? Then why not check out Jacob’s Ladder or perhaps the chilling ‘Bleaklow Bomber’ plane crash site?
Hiding on the hills above Glossop – around a 30-minute drive from Dovestone Reservoir – this hidden memorial site still contains remnants of the tragic accident that occurred here over 70 years ago.
For more info, head on over to our ‘How To Find The B29 ‘OVEREXPOSED’ Bleaklow Plane Crash Site’ blog post.
Happy walking 🚶🚶