Quenching the Thirsts at Dovestones

About trip

Around 130 years ago, as the demands of Manchester’s industrial population grew, the need to supply the city with safe and sufficient drinking water became paramount. Inevitably the planners turned their attentions towards the Pennines, that formidable upland barrier that soaks up so much of northern England’s rain. Before long a series of reservoirs sprung up across the hills that separated urban Lancashire and Yorkshire and, just as the counties’ rivers and streams had previously been harnessed for the mills, now the moorlands were drained and the tiny Pennine valleys dammed to create artificial lakes. The first of the four reservoirs collectively known as Dovestones was Yeoman Hey, constructed in 1880, and followed by Greenfield in 1902. When Chew Reservoir was built, ten years later, it was the highest in Britain at around 1,600ft (488m). Dovestone Reservoir is the largest of the group and was completed in 1967. Four Reservoirs: Today the four vital reservoirs supply drinking water to Oldham and communities in the Tame Valley. They are owned and run by United Utilities, who provide water to nearly 3 million people in North West England. In total the water company owns around 140,000 acres (56,700ha) of water-gathering land and actual reservoirs throughout the Peak District, Lake District and West Pennines. Here at Dovestones water collects in Chew Reservoir, high and remote on the top of the bleak moorland, before travelling via an underground pipe almost a mile (1.6km) long to emerge at an aqueduct at Ashway Gap, below Dean Rocks. Water is then held in the two main reservoirs in the valley bottom, Dovestone and Yeoman Hey, before being piped further down the valley for treatment at a large plant at Buckton Castle in Mossley. It’s also used by a paper mill located below Dovestone Reservoir dam. Recreation. United Utilities actively encourages certain types of recreation around its reservoirs. Swimming is forbidden, because of the deep water and outlet pipes that can cause dangerous undercurrents, but sailing and windsurfing take place on Dovestone Reservoir, with regular regattas. On the adjoining hillside there are two terrific orienteering routes - look out for the small posts with helpful coloured markings and numbers. The popular 2.5-mile (4km) track around the shore of Dovestone Reservoir has been made suitable for wheelchair users, while the numerous paths and bridleways that explore the surrounding moors also include the Oldham Way. The course of this superb circular, 40-mile (64.3km) walking route around the borough of Oldham can be seen as you set off from Dovestone Reservoir. It runs high and straight across the hillside to the south, on the route of a former steam tramway that was built 90 years ago to aid the construction of Chew Reservoir. While you're there: A visit to the Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery, which is located just 2 miles (3.2km) from dovestones on the High Street in Uppermill, is highly recommended. The former canalside woollen mill is stuffed full of curiosities and intriguing snippets of local history – from farming to brass bands, Roman soldiers to weaving mills. It’s open daily and includes handson exhibits for children and informative displays. Where to eat and drink: On sunny weekends the occasional ice cream van is always a welcome addition to the Dovestones car park. Otherwise the nearest place for refreshments is a pub called the Clarence, about a mile (1.6km) away in Greenfield, which serves food daily. For more choice you’ll have to try the cafés and pubs of nearby Uppermill. What to look out for: As you stand on the edge of the moors above Dovestone Reservoir, taking in the splendid panorama westwards, a small but distinctively pointed hill a mile (1.6km) beyond the reservoir (and topped by a war memorial) tends to catch the eye. It’s known as Pots and Pans and its odd-shaped rocks contain well-to-do grouse shooters Directions: From the car park walk up to the top of the Dovestone Reservoir dam and turn right, along the road past the sailing club. Where the plantation ends go over a bridge and straight on to follow a private, vehicular track as it makes its way steadily up to the very top of the Chew Valley. 2 When you reach Chew Reservoir turn left and walk along by the dam wall until just before it kinks right. With your back to the reservoir (and near a sign warning of the dangers of deep water) drop down to the moorland and follow the very wide, straight track opposite that heads back towards the edge of the hillside. It first bears left, then swings back to the right, and soon becomes a thin path that weaves its way between the loose rocks around Dish Stone Brow 3 With Dovestone Reservoir coming into view far below, continue along the high rim of the hillside past a series of rocky outcrops. If you occasionally lose sight of the path don’t worry, just keep to the wide strip between the steep drop on your left and the banks of peaty bog on your right. 4 Nearing Great Dove Stone Rocks continue to follow the rocky edge as it swings back to the right. Beyond Dean Rocks is a clear path that winds its way around the head of a narrow valley known as Dove Stone Clough. 5 Cross over the stream as it flows over a rocky shelf and, as you continue across the slope on the far side, the narrow path slowly begins to drop down the grassy hillside. Fork left and ignore a higher path towards a prominent stone memorial cross ahead. Soon the path curves steeply down to the left and there are numerous criss-crossing tracks through the long grass and bracken. If you are in any doubt then just aim for the unmistakable aqueduct below you, at the foot of Dove Stone Clough, and cross it by using the high footbridge. 6 Walk along the path below the rock face and the fence on your left and across an area of slumped hillside littered with rock debris. Eventually the path joins a wide, grassy strip that gently leads down between fenced-off plantations of young conifers. Go through the gate and drop down through the open field to reach the popular reservoir-side track. Turn left and then follow this track all the way back to the car park