Dove Stone Reservoir & Ashway Moss
Walk DETAILS
PEAKS: ASHWAY MOSS (487m)
LENGTH: 10.13km
DURATION: 2h 46m
ELV. GAIN: 371m
AV. PACE: 16:23
DOG FRIENDLY: ✓
TODDLER FRIENDLY: X
BABY-SLING FRIENDLY: X
The original plan for the day was to tackle one of the nearest fells in the Lake District. However, after a very early morning with my toddler, I decided against the two-hour drive on limited sleep. Instead, I opted for a longer walk closer to home. Scrolling through the AllTrails app, I found a circular route that looked promising. I skimmed the description—something I’d later regret—packed my bag, and set off with Rosie, my Boxer dog, to Dove Stone Reservoir.
It was a random Thursday morning with a favourable weather forecast, so parking wasn’t an issue. I paid £4.40 for a day ticket, used the free toilets, and we were ready to go.
Starting the walk clockwise, the first stretch follows a path alongside three reservoirs: Dove Stone, Yeoman Hey, and Greenfield. The trail begins as a wide gravel path, wheelchair-accessible and offering fantastic views of the water and surrounding hills. Soon, the gravel gives way to a rocky trail, which quickly transitions into a challenging scramble up the waterfalls of Greenfield Brook and Birchen Clough.
Recent rainfall had swollen the brook, though the water levels were receding. For Rosie, this was her first proper hike, and she took to it like a mountain goat. She needed a helping hand only once or twice—when faced with particularly high boulders or navigating a tricky water crossing at the top, where the route turns toward Ashway Moss. If you’re not a confident climber, I’d recommend going with someone more experienced to guide you and ensuring you have appropriate footwear, as the rocks can be slippery in places. The view from the plateau, however, is absolutely worth the effort.
This is where my lack of preparation caught up with me. I hadn’t realised there was such a thing as The Trinnacle. Had I read the walk description properly, I wouldn’t have missed this iconic waypoint. But such is mum life—it doesn’t leave much time for preparation. At least I’m pretty sure Rosie managed to take it all in!
Once on the plateau, the walk becomes fairly straightforward, following a reasonably clear path along the edge of the rocks. The views are breathtaking, and a bit further along, you come across the James Platt Memorial, also known as the Ashway Stone. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Manchester city centre—a reminder that an epic walk in the Peak District isn’t too far from urban life.
I had planned to walk the entire edge, but time constraints and looming rainclouds forced a change of plan. I decided to take one of the goat paths down to rejoin the reservoir trail. Once back on the path, we followed it home, only to get thoroughly drenched by the rain just before reaching the car.
Despite the change of plans and a soggy ending, this walk was a memorable adventure. Dove Stone Reservoir and its surrounding trails offer a mix of accessible paths and more challenging terrain, making it a great destination for hikers of all abilities. Rosie’s enthusiasm and the stunning views from the plateau made the effort worthwhile, even if I missed out on The Trinnacle this time.
Every walk is a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination—and that a little preparation can go a long way. I’ll definitely return to explore the full edge and finally see The Trinnacle for myself. Until then, Dove Stone remains a perfect example of the unexpected gems waiting to be discovered close to home.
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About
Welcome to Peak District Circular Walks, a new series dedicated to exploring the breathtaking beauty of the Peak District through a variety of circular routes. Each walk varies in length and difficulty, making it accessible for walkers of all levels.
The Peak District holds the honor of being the first-ever National Park in England and Wales, established in 1951. Known for its stunning landscapes, the area features rolling hills, deep valleys, dramatic limestone gorges, and iconic gritstone escarpments, often referred to as “edges.” Its highest point, Kinder Scout, rises to 636 meters (2,087 feet) and offers panoramic views that capture the park’s unique charm.
Whether you’re here for the lush green scenery, the rugged rocky outcrops, or simply the chance to immerse yourself in nature, the Peak District is a walker’s paradise. Join me as I share my favourite routes, tips, and insights into one of the UK’s most beloved walking destinations.
LEGEND
DOG-FRIENDLY WALK
This means that my Boxer dog, Rosie, is able to complete the walk. She is a highly energetic medium-sized dog who is accustomed to walking 1–2 hours daily. While she is a relatively inexperienced hiker, she can easily manage high jumps.
TODDLER-FRIENDLY WALK
This indicates that I feel comfortable allowing my toddler to walk (either independently or with reins) or carrying him safely in a suitable toddler hiking backpack.
BABY-IN-A-SLING-FRIENDLY WALK
This means I feel comfortable completing the walk while carrying my baby in a sling, either forward-facing or backward-facing. I will always indicate at the start of the walk which position I used for that particular route.
DISCLAIMER
Please note that my assessment of a walk as being dog- or toddler-friendly is based on my own experience and circumstances. What works for Rosie, my toddler and my baby may not necessarily be suitable for your dog or child. Always use your judgment to assess whether a walk is appropriate for your specific situation.
