walking | Dovestone Reservoir
What and where is Dovestone Reservoir?
Found just outside of Oldham, Dovestone Reservoir (sometimes written Dove Stone - who knows) sits right on the edge of the Peak District and the western edge of Saddleworth Moor. Extremely popular in summer, the reservoir has some easy tracks around the base but more challenging short climbs to the top of the moor for those wanting to stretch their legs.
​
We've taken the high road on this one, sending you away from the (potential) bustle of the reservoir onto Wimberry Crag and back down off the back of Wimberry Moss.
​
Remember to stick to The Rules and have fun!
3 hours
6 miles
Peak District
Get this route
Download our route and follow this yourself from either OS Maps or ViewRanger. OS Maps requires a subscription, which luckily you can get 10% off with Northern Stroll on any 12 month subscription. Check out our blog post for the code.
​
ViewRanger is free and much like OS Maps doesn't require any data to work. All you need is a GPS signal, especially if you have downloaded your maps beforehand. It also has OS Maps available as a layer inside the app.
​
Don't have ViewRanger on your phone yet? See our guide, or download it in your app store.
Route overview
Starting from the western edge of the reservoir in the car park, face the water, and head to your right, follow the road until you reach the sailing club and an immediate fork left and right. The left will lead you towards the water and keeping it on your left. Turn left!
​
Following the track you will eventually reach one of the inlets. Cross onto the other side and take the path up the gulley and begin the climb towards the top.
​
Once at the top you will meet the edge of Chew Reservoir. Turn right and keep the water on your left, and follow the edge of the steep bank now on your right all the way along. This is Wimberry Moss.
​
The rest of the route is as simple as following the track off the top of Wimberry Moss and desending down to your right back towards the car park again. If you lose sight of Dovestone, you are doing it wrong.
​
​
Key things to know:
​
Time: About 3 hours at an amble
​
Distance: 6.07 miles
​
Elevation: 1,228 feet
​
Nearby pubs: A few. The Royal George is a good one.
​
How to get here:
Postcode: 0L3 7NE
​
​