NOV 2023 – 6 MILES – DOVE STONE RESERVOIR (OLDHAM, PEAK DISTRICT)

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It is coming up to December already and Christmas is upon us. Before it gets too busy, my friend and I decided to do a hike in the Peak District for a catch up. My friend has not been to this area before so it was nice for her to do a walk outside of the Lake District for a change. There are over 100 routes around this place and this is the one I decided upon. A 6-mile hike which goes through forests and includes going around the reservoir.

Total Distance: 6 Miles
Steps: ~16,000 Steps
Highest Point: 1038 Feet
Total Realistic Time: ~2.5 Hours

Dove Stone Reservoir lies at the convergence of the valleys of the Greenfield and Chew Brooks above the village of Greenfield, on Saddleworth Moor in Greater Manchester, England. The reservoir is on the western edge of the Peak District National Park. It supplies drinking water to the surrounding area and is a tourist attraction, providing several walks amongst picturesque landscapes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dovestone_Reservoir

Car parking was £4.40 for all day parking at the time at Dove Stone Car Park.  There are free public toilets available opposite the car park. Not a huge car park, being there at 10am in the morning on a week day there were plenty of spaces. 

This is the route we did, using OS Maps there were over 100 routes to choose from. The one I chose is recommended by the BBC Country File, most of the route is on lower ground but the scenery and views were just as good on this fine cold sunny day.

The first part of the hike was a bit muddy due to the endless rain we have had the past week. Today it was nice and sunny, views of the surrounding area is so colourful, the autumn leaves giving the contrasting colours.

The route was on main paths so it is hard to get lost, off the route there are also smaller paths taking you to higher ground if you wanted. The views of the cliffs were beautiful in the winter sun. Today we stuck to lower ground but still had a good work out.

First half of the walk, muddy with views of forests and cliffs

The last part of the walk around the reservoir was pathed so a much easier and mud free path. The reservoir looked calm and stunning against the sun with the autumn leaves around.

After the hike we decided to go to the nearby village of Greenfield for a much needed coffee and cake. We found this little place tucked just behind Tesco called Scona, as soon as you walk in you are hit with the fresh smell of coffee and you can see the selection of delicious cakes just staring back at you. Of course we could not resist them.

I went for the Chocolate and Banana bread with Cappuccino, and my friend went for the Sticky Toffee cake and Latte. The size of the cakes were humongous, very generous portions. We left very satisfied 😊

Conclusion:

A successful day, weather was on our side and we had a lovely catch up, with delicious cake and freshly made coffee. We will be coming back in the summer months and do some of the higher cliff walks. Looking forward to it already.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro (for taking photos/videos and mapping using OS Maps)
  • Comfy walking shoes (most important)
  • Flask with Hot/Cold drink (a good cuppa is always welcome)
  • ibuprofen (helping hand if you have any aches and pains)
  • Food and snacks (fuel to keep you going)

 

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