The best mountain hikes around Dovestone reservoir

There are several challenging mountaineering routes around Dovestone Reservoir. This guide features 3 highly-rated tours, including options for both moderate and difficult ascents.

You can expect a diverse landscape characterized by extensive moorland, challenging gritstone crags, and significant hills. Routes often feature high rocky outcrops, dramatic gritstone edges, and paths that can be steep and rocky, especially towards higher elevations like Chew Reservoir.

Yes, for those seeking a more technical challenge, areas like Birchen Clough involve scrambling up waterfalls. The Wilderness Gully – View of Chew Valley loop from Greenfield specifically features scrambling sections near waterfalls.

The Trinnacle is a striking gritstone formation and a major attraction for mountaineers. Reaching it often involves navigating rocky paths and steep ascents, including scrambling sections. While not explicitly listed in this guide's routes, many local mountaineering paths in the area can lead you towards this iconic landmark.

Absolutely. The surrounding Saddleworth Moor features high rocky outcrops and vast moorland, providing a sense of isolation and high-level walking experiences. The Laddow Rocks – Black Hill Trig Point loop from Crowden, for instance, leads through dramatic gritstone edges and vast moorland, offering incredible vistas.

Many of the trails around Dovestone Reservoir are suitable for dogs, but always keep them under close control, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds. Some sections may involve scrambling or rocky terrain, which could be challenging for some dogs. Always check specific route details for any restrictions.

The routes vary in length and difficulty. For example, the Wilderness Gully – View of Chew Valley loop from Greenfield is a difficult trail that takes approximately 2 hours 23 minutes. Longer routes like the Wain Stones (Kissing Stones) – Torside Clough loop from Crowden can take around 4 hours 10 minutes.

Yes, the Dovestone area is a significant draw for climbers due to its concentration of gritstone crags. Dovestone Edge is a prominent location for rock climbing, and bouldering opportunities exist at locations like Duck Stones, offering problems for various skill levels. For more detailed information on climbing, you might find resources like doveheritage.com helpful.

The best time to visit for mountaineering is generally during spring, summer, and early autumn when the weather is more stable and daylight hours are longer. Winter conditions can be challenging, with potential for ice, snow, and rapidly changing weather on the exposed moorlands. Always check the forecast before heading out.

Yes, all the mountaineering routes featured in this guide are circular. For example, the Wain Stones (Kissing Stones) – Torside Clough loop from Crowden and the Laddow Rocks – Black Hill Trig Point loop from Crowden both offer rewarding circular experiences.

Beyond the reservoirs themselves, you'll encounter dramatic gritstone edges and high moorland. Keep an eye out for formations like Alphin Pike, Ashway Rocks, Dick Hill, Great Dovestone Rocks, Hoarstone Edge, and the Pots and Pans Stone, which add to the diverse landscape and offer distinct viewpoints.

The routes around Dovestone Reservoir range from moderate to difficult. This guide includes 1 moderate route and 2 difficult routes, catering to experienced mountaineers seeking challenging ascents and technical sections.