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 headdress), you get a great view down onto the reservoir and up the valley. The rocks are used for climbing, particularly in the summer, so you may have company. The lower return leg follows the route of an old railway line and goes through some old woodland which makes a nice contrast to the moorland above. It can also make quite a nice shorter evening walk in the summer.
Detailed description
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Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 6.60 miles (10.62 km)
Total ascent: 389m
Time: 3 – 5 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start/Finish:Dovestone reservoir car park (pay and display). Alternatively you can park just down the hill from waypoint 1 on the road, but there isn't much space, SE012034
Nearest town:
Oldham
Terrain:
Paths are mostly easy to follow but be aware that it is easy to get lost if the weather does change and visibility gets poor. It is worth taking a map and compass, and knowing how to use them.
Seasonal variations:
When wet some sections can be rather muddy.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Peak District & Yorkshire Dales – Met Office: Peak District
Public transport:
You can get to Dovestone Reservoir by bus or train from many points in the Greater Manchester area.
Maps:
OS Explorer OL1 (1:25,000), Harvey/BMC Dark Peak (1:40,000), OS Landranger 109 (1:50,000), OS Landranger 110 (1:50,000) Directory Listings:
Find more Listings near this route Tourist info:
Saddleworth (01457 870 336); Ashton-Under-Lyne (0161 343 4343); Oldham (01617 703 064)
I prefer to do this wander in a clockwise direction, watching the sun go down over the smog of Manchester.
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.