Dove Stone and the Chew Reservoir
We finally made it for a walk around Dove Stone. We pass it so many times on our way to Wessenden or Marsden, that it was nice to make a dedicated trip up this excellent high-level route.
From the Binn Green car park we followed the path by the reservoirs, which were very low.
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| Low water level at the Yeoman Hey reservoir dam |
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| A depleted Yeoman Hey reservoir |
We progressed up the Greenfield Brook valley to reach Birchen Clough. This is a rough scramble which can be a bit hairy at times. After crossing the stream, the walk doubles back high above Birchen Clough and Greenfield Clough to reach the dramatic Raven Stones.
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| Raven Stones |
The path follows the edge fairly closely until Great Dove Stone, when the route turns into the Chew Valley and (eventually!) the Chew Reservoir dam comes into sight. We decided not to take the high-level route back (which we have not yet done and certainly should). Instead, we stopped for lunch just before the dam then walked back down the access road and across the fields to the row of little houses at Hey Top which always seem so appealing.
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| The row of houses at Hey Top |
After passing over the main Dove Stone reservoir dam there is always the slight sting in the tail as one has to regain a lot of height to get back to the car park. This done, the walk ended in sunshine and it had definitely been a satisfying day out.
10.1 miles.
