Dovestones Reservoir and Chew Valley Walk
Greater Manchester
Few walks on the edge of Greater Manchester feel as wild as Dovestone Reservoir and the climb up into the Chew Valley. This dog friendly circular begins on the calm, flat path around Dovestone itself, then steps up through Chew Brook and onto the high moorland plateau, with Chew Reservoir, the highest reservoir in England, sitting at 1,600ft among the gritstone edges. The views down the Chew Valley back to the reservoirs are among the finest in the Peak District.
Dogs are welcome the whole way but leads are essential once you leave the reservoir, as the surrounding open access moor is working sheep country and Dove Stone is also home to nesting birds in spring and summer. Underfoot the reservoir loop is surfaced and buggy friendly; the climb up Chew Brook and the moorland section is rocky, stepped, and can be very boggy after rain. Parking is at the main RSPB run Dovestone car park off Bank Lane, pay and display, with toilets on site and a van selling hot drinks most weekends.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.5 km (5.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 4 hr
- Walk Type
- Reservoir, Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Public toilets at the car park, a drinks van on weekends, and pubs and cafes back in nearby Greenfield.
- Parking
- Large pay and display car park at Dovestone Reservoir off Bank Lane, free for Blue Badge holders and RSPB members.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dovestones Reservoir and Chew Valley Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the entire walk, which earns a solid 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The circular takes in the reservoir path, Chew Brook, and the high moorland plateau, so there's plenty of varied terrain for dogs to enjoy. Just be aware that the area beyond the reservoir is working sheep country, which does come with lead requirements.
Can dogs be off lead at Dovestones Reservoir and Chew Valley Walk?
Dogs can enjoy more freedom around the reservoir itself, but leads are essential once you leave the reservoir path and head onto the open access moorland. The surrounding hills are working sheep country, and Dove Stone is also home to nesting birds during spring and summer, so it's important to keep dogs under close control in those areas. It's worth planning ahead if your dog isn't reliable on a lead in open countryside.
What should I know before visiting Dovestones Reservoir and Chew Valley Walk with my dog?
The reservoir loop is surfaced and relatively easy going, but the climb up Chew Brook and onto the moorland plateau is rocky, stepped, and can get very boggy after rain, so it's worth wearing appropriate footwear and keeping that in mind for older or less agile dogs. Parking is at the RSPB-run Dovestone car park off Bank Lane, which is pay and display, though free for Blue Badge holders and RSPB members. There are toilets on site and a drinks van most weekends, with pubs and cafes available back in nearby Greenfield.
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