Dovestone Reservoir

Address: Greenfield, Saddleworth, Oldham, Greater Manchester OL3 7NE

Getting there: The nearest railway station is Greenfield Station, which is 2 miles away. Walk through the village on the main road (A669), then follow brown signs for Dove Stone. The bus routes are as follows:

180 Greenfield – Manchester This service terminates at the Chew Valley Road junction and is 1 mile from the reservoir
350 Oldham – Ashton This service runs along Chew Valley Road and Manchester Road and is 1 mile from the reservoir
354 Denshaw – Ashton This service runs along Chew Valley Road and Manchester Road and is 1 mile from the reservoir

(For up to date information and times please call TfGM on 0161 244 1000.)

Opening times: Dovestone is open all year round, with the public toilets open dawn till dusk.

Distance: There are a number of footpaths, as well as open moorland around the area. There is also a pram/wheelchair friendly 2.5 mile circular walk around the reservoir and there is the option to stop on the way at Chew Brook, to explore the rocks and paddle in the stream.

Wheelchair/Pram friendly: The circular walk around the reservoir around the reservoir is pram/wheelchair friendly. For wheelchair access, you will need a ‘radar key’ (a normal looking key with a large square head), to unlock the vehicle access gate by the Boat Yard at Dove Stone and the kissing gate, which is about half way around the main trail, after the path between Dove Stone reservoir and Yeoman Hey.

Additional activities: Generally on Sunday's you can view the peregrine falcons through telescopes, with the help of the RSPB "Date with Nature" team. There are also opportunities for quizzes and badge making activities on sunny weekends and bank holidays.

Parking and any fees: The main car park is by the reservoir (60p for three hours or £1.80 for the day). There is also a second car park, off Holmfirth Road at Binn Green but this is not next to the reservoir. There is free parking for blue badge holders and RSPB members (display membership badge in window or risk a fine).

Facilities and refreshment options: Toilets are located at both car parks. There are ice cream and hot food vans in the main car park, mainly at weekends or in good weather. There are 5 picnic tables and benches at Ashway Gap picnic area, including 2 with wheelchair/pushchair friendly seating..

Website link: www.oldham.gov.uk/info/200393/parks_countryside_and_canals/686/dove_stone_reservoir

Walk link: See map link.

Map link: www.oldham.gov.uk/downloads/file/532/lets_go_for_a_walk-dovestone_reservoir

Events link: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/dove-stone/

Credit for recommendation to: Joanna Keady