Dovestone Reservoir Walk | Easy Circular Walk

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The Dovestone Reservoir walk is a beautiful scenic stroll on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

It is popular amongst a variety of people whether you are solo, a couple walking the dog or out for a family outing with a crying new-born.

It is difficult to find walks which meet all these demands, and if they do, it can be a stressful experience getting there, being too busy or pulling your hair out on where to park.

Well, we have done all the hard work for you and pulled out our own hair so you don’t have to.

In this article, we will provide you with all the information needed on parking, the best times to get there, what to expect on the walk, and some amazing pictures to let you appreciate the reservoirs beauty from different perspectives.

By the time you have read the whole article we promise your experience will be smooth sailing.

Dovestone Reservoir Parking & Directions

Postcode to main parking: OL3 7NE

It is fairly simple and straightforward driving to the Dovestone Reservoir. It is also the easiest and recommended mode of transport, rather than public transport.

If you follow the above postcode this will take you straight to the main carpark. The entrance is on Bank Lane off the A635.

Here’s one of those tips we promised you; If you are coming via Holmfirth then the entrance takes a very sharp left turn, which if you have a larger vehicle, would be hard to do in one swing.

Apparently, this left turn isn’t allowed but we didn’t notice any signs that said otherwise. If you have a larger car then just continue down the round heading towards Greenfield Village, where there is a roundabout and go back up to turn right into the entrance.

Keep in mind that this is a pay and display parking car park. The prices are as shown below:

• 0 – 2h, £1
• 2 – 4h, £2
• 4h+, £4

Now here comes another one of those tips previously promised…Get there early. We will say it for those who may have missed it. GET. THERE. EARLY.

This is especially wise on weekends when the weather is nice, to avoid the frustration of gridlock parking.

The best time before the queues start stacking up seem to be before 11am. After this time then good luck if you think you’re going to just drive straight into a free parking spot.

Parking still difficult?

But what if you have followed our wise instructions and the queues are still long and parking is difficult to find? Have no fear, we come with yet more tips.

Head out of the car park and turn left, a few metres down the road you will come to a right turn which takes you on Hollins Lane.

Here you will find free street parking and it is only a 10min walk from here to the Reservoir. Ignore the picture as we just squeezed in before the double lines, so it looks like we are parked on double lines. However, there are plenty of spaces without double lines on this street.

Alternative Parking

Binn Green Car Park Postcode: OL3 7NN

There is additional parking at the Binn Green Car Park. However, this is around a 25min walk away from the main Dovestone car park and the start of the main walks. It is worth checking out if there are any spaces here if you are desperate.

Facilities at Dovestone Reservoir

• Toilets – Always handy
• Pushchair Friendly – The main circular walk
• Wheelchair friendly – The main circular walk
• Picnic areas – To chow down on some snacks
• Ice cream van – It would be rude not to on a hot day

The Dovestone Reservoir Circular Walk

The Dovestone Reservoir circuit is what most people go to the reservoir for. It has the appeal of not being too long, not too strenuous, and it’s the most accessible. A perfect little stroll to stretch those legs on a nice day.

This is the walk we will be focusing on, but if you are extra keen for a more strenuous walk, you could always take alternative paths such as the Birchen Clough return walk (5 miles) or the 12-mile trinnacles walk.

Before we dive into the circular walk in more detail here are some quick notes:

• Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

The circular walk starts off on a smooth track straight from the car park. You cannot miss the start of the walk as there is a sign pointing you into the correct direction name ‘Dovestone Circular Walk’.

There is also an opportunity to read some signs giving you extra information about the local moors.

Continue on the path and you will find yourself walking by the Dovestone Sailing Club. If this is your thing, you could always enquire about joining.

One of the best parts of the walk is right at the beginning. If you’re lucky like we were the day we visited, you can meet and greet some of the local ducks.

If you have a dog, we would suggest just keeping them on a lead at this point as you don’t want to scare off the local wildlife.

As you continue on the path you will come across some amazing views of the peak district.

Dovestone Reservoir Memorial Forest

This is people plant trees to commemorate loved ones. It is also a great place for the keen bird watches, as there is an array of different types located in the forest.

If you have decided to detour into the memorial forest or not, continue on the path to experience some more incredible views. Part of the walk inclines ever so slightly but you are rewarded with views overlooking the dam.

There is plenty of opportunity for you to chill and relax at points too, with picnic benches and tables plentiful, inviting you to appreciate the surroundings as you stuff your face.

You can also take the circular route via Pennyworth Wood, conveniently where the picnic area is.

There comes a point near the end of the walk where you can continue to walk via a path in parallel with the reservoir at the edge, or you can decide to take an incline path, which heads towards Binn Green Car Park (handy if you have parked here).

We decided to take this walk and was rewarded with unique bird’s eye views of the reservoir which were lovely to capture.

Just beware if you continue going on this route you will have walk down the road back to the beginning of the circular walk, we also wouldn’t recommend this route with a pushchair/wheelchair

However, if you do take this route, you have good company on the way back down as sheep cautiously look on at you.

Dovestone Reservoir circular walk in a nutshell.

It is an easy to do, and the path is self-explanatory and there is little chance to get lost – Even for those who wouldn’t know what a map was if it hit them in their face.

If you are wondering what to do on a day off or a weekend, get yourself down to the reservoir and enjoy some fresh air whilst stretching those legs.

For up-to-date information on the reservoir and the wildlife, check out the RSPB website.

Let us know we helped you on your trip and we would also love to hear how you found the walk in the comments below!