Dovestone Reservoir and Chew Valley Circuit

Dovestone Reservoir lies at the western edge of the Peak District National Park near Greenfield, Saddleworth, in Greater Manchester, below the gritstone edges of Saddleworth Moor. The circuit combines the reservoir-side path with an optional climb up the Chew Valley to Chew Reservoir, which at about 489 m is often described as the highest reservoir in England. The walk begins at the Dovestone Reservoir car park, Greenfield, Oldham, OL3 7NN, which is pay-and-display and fills early at weekends. Public transport users take a Northern train from Manchester Piccadilly to Greenfield in about 35 minutes, followed by a walk of about 2.5 km to the reservoir. No permit is needed. The route is about 8 km with roughly 250 m of ascent and is graded moderate: the reservoir shoreline is level and easy, while the Chew Valley section climbs steadily on a rocky track to the upper reservoir, with a final section of stone steps and moorland path. Surfaces include tarmac and compacted gravel near the water, rocky tracks and peat on the upper ground. Trees are limited to plantations by the reservoir, and the moorland above is open and exposed to wind. Key landmarks are the Dovestone and Yeoman Hey reservoirs, the Chew Brook valley with its waterfalls, the cliffs of Chew Reservoir's dam and the rocky edges of Dean Rocks and Rob Rocks above the water. The RSPB manages the area as the Dove Stone reserve, and walkers may see mountain hares, curlews, golden plover and other upland birds, with some wintering waterfowl. Turn-around points include the reservoir path, which allows a flat outing of about 5 km, and the Chew Brook valley before the steepest climb. The upper reservoir is a good lunch stop but has no shelter. A cafe and toilets are available near the car park, and stream water should not be drunk untreated.