Mark Richards in High Peak Walks believed the locals were blessed when he said the "Saddleworth hills represent the entire English Lake District encapsulated and transported to their doorstep". The Chew Valley is indeed one of the jewels of Saddleworth and is great for landscape photography, has numerous splendid walks and climbing opportunities and also pleasant relaxing walks around the reservoirs and many areas to enjoy picnics. You can even go sailing on Dovestone Reservoir (see links).This photograph was taken on Wimberry Rocks high above Dovestone Reservoir. The route to the top is fairly steep but not too difficult and takes about half-an-hour or so. The reward for reaching the summit is a panorama stretching from Manchester, Hartshead Pike and Mossley in the west moving clockwise to encompass Pots and Pans, Alderman Hill and the reservoirs in Chew Valley. From here it is possible to walk to Noon Sun hill in the west or another reservoir, Chew, in the east. This was where I headed and was a delightful walk along the edges that follows the course of Chew Brook down below.
Chew Valley can be reached by car and has good parking facilities (see links). Public transport is also good and can be reached via Manchester and surrounding towns. Buses run frequently from Manchester. The 180 runs from Manchester via Oldham and terminates at The Clarence in Greenfield. This is where you need to get off and Dovestone Reservoir is a 20 minute walk via a woodland road. Trains also run to Greenfield and is part of the Manchester Victoria to Huddersfield line. Add another 20 minutes or so onto your journey as the train station sits at the top of Greenfield and you need to walk down Chew Valley Road.
In terms of food there is a Tesco near to the train station and further down the Chew Valley road an excellent small bakers and a Co-op. There are also a number of pubs. If you want something more substantial to eat after your walk go to The Clarence which serves excellent food and real ales. I recommend trying the real ales from the Greenfield Real Ale Brewery. They are a delight.
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