Alphin Pike and Wimberry Rocks Walking

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.

Wimberry Rocks © Chris Craggs  © Chris Craggs
Wimberry Rocks © Chris Craggs
Fetching Map

Detailed description

1
SD9947403426 From the main car park walk up the single track road, past terraced houses, and along the path until it reaches the road. Continue along until it starts going downhill, at which point turn left up the track.

2
SD9969303059 At the top of the track turn left up a path, keeping a field to your right.

3
SE0161502447 At the top, follow the path through the heather until you reach the trig point with the shelter at the summit of Alphin Pike. From here, take your pick of the sheep tracks - I find it best to keep close to the edge, the views are better and you're less likely to get lost. At Wimberry Rocks there is the option to take a short cut by cutting down the path to the left of the crag.
Looking out over Dovestone  © radial47
Looking out over Dovestone
© radial47, Dec 2014

4
SE0355901770 Follow the path along the edge of the moor; this is pretty straightforward except for the final 100m where you will have to use your imagination as the path seems to disappear.

5
SE0254402381 You can either follow the road all the way back to the car park, or for a more scenic route you can turn left over the footbridge half way down and follow the disused railway along the side of the hill. When you reach the wall at the edge of the woods, take a path to the right, past the 'Sugar Lump' (worth a climb if you're interested) and down by the river until it joins the road again. Turn right and follow it back to the car park.

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