UKH

The area around Dovestone Reservoir has become increasingly popular in recent years and can become quite crowded, especially in the summer months. Fortunately there are plenty of paths away from the main tourist tracks which provide a more secluded walk with ample opportunity for adventure and great views of the surrounding area. This route takes you along the edge of the moor to the south of the reservoir. It can be walked in either direction but is best done anti-clockwise. The two highlights are Alphin Pike and Wimberry Rocks; Alphin Pike has great views out to the west over Manchester and even as far as Wales, as you come round to Wimberry Rocks (sometimes known as Indians Head for its supposed resemblance to a ceremonial head dress), you get a great view down onto the reservoir and up the valley. 

Read more at http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=982

I prefer to do this wander in a clockwise direction, watching the sun go down over the smog of Manchester.

Nice walk this and a favourite of mine. Definitely worth following the track half way down Chew Road and through the plantation though as you say.

For anyone who doesn’t know the area it’s easily turned into a bigger day too by not heading down Chew Road and instead heading off towards Fox Stone and Ashway, got to take a stop at Bramleys Cot for a brew too! After Ashway carry on around to Raven Stones and then down along the waterfalls and out at Greenfield Reservoir and back towards Dove Stone.

Worth mentioning Wilderness which, although having minor value as a crag, is the scene of one of the few avalanche tragedies in the peak. Just before the  moor edge path leading to Chew Res "disappears".

Also the disused railway mentioned in the return leg takes a steep turn up an inclined plane ( walking up the access road) where a donkey engine at the top hauled up tubs of clay to help in the construction of Chew Reservoir. Hard to see from the track , more visible from the opposite side of the valley.

Better still: Do it the clockwise and cut the corner off before Chew Reservoir by dropping down off Chew road and ascending Wilderness Gully East to add a modicum of scrambalage.