Magical Dog-Friendly Peak District Walk Worth Doing Even in Winter
A breathtaking walk around a reservoir in the Peak District has been praised as so pretty you can even walk it in the winter, and it's perfect for beginners and dog owners. This scenic route offers a refreshing escape that works wonders for both mind and body, lifting your spirits while topping up essential Vitamin D levels.
Embracing the Outdoors in Any Season
Winter rambles can often feel rather dreary, with gloomy weather and barren landscapes devoid of colourful blooms to brighten your journey. Thankfully, there's one spectacular hiking route nestled in the Peak District National Park that shines in any season. The trail circling Dovestone Reservoir boasts breathtaking vistas of dramatic rock formations and water features that remain captivating even during the colder months.
This allows you to embrace the outdoors before spring and summer return, providing a much-needed dose of nature when it's needed most. A woman who frequently posts hiking content on TikTok recently highlighted this gem, noting that Dovestone Reservoir is in the Greater Manchester section of the Peak District, roughly 40 minutes from Manchester and 30 minutes from Huddersfield.
Perfect for Beginners and Four-Legged Friends
The spot welcomes four-legged friends, making it an ideal destination for dog owners looking for a picturesque outing. The route itself spans less than five miles, which is perfect for novice walkers seeking a modest challenge without committing to a lengthier, more demanding trek.
As an added bonus, you can reward yourself with freshly prepared fish and chips at a nearby pub once you've completed your walk. In her footage, the woman kicked off by saying: "Did you know you can visit this stunning rock formation and walk around a reservoir all in under five miles? It's a circular walk located in the Peak District, and what better way to finish off the day than in front of a log burner with some homemade fish and chips."
Navigating the Scenic Route
The woman proceeded to reveal she'd left her motor in the Binn Green car park just off the A635, though there's a larger pay and display facility at the reservoir's tip on Bank Lane, which includes toilets if required. Breaking down the route, she explained: "You start off by heading through the woodland towards the reservoir. Take a left when you get to the water and follow this around over the bridge. You'll take a left up the hill and over the stile, and continue on to see some lovely views over the water."
"The path continues round, but just be mindful that you're on moorland here, so the paths aren't always as clear in parts. You'll eventually reach the Trinnacle rock formation, which is beautiful and has reservoir views below. Lots of people stand on this for a photo, but I like my life too much, so I kept my distance."
"We then followed the path slightly left, which takes you back over the stile and down towards the reservoir. This time, you'll take a left and follow the reservoir back around, seeing lots of lovely scenery on your journey back to the car. We went to The Clarence for some lunch afterwards. It's dog-friendly and did some great homemade fish and chips."
Year-Round Appeal and Visitor Praise
In her video's caption, the woman highlighted that Dovestone Reservoir makes for an excellent stroll throughout the year, pledging to return during the coming months. She penned: "A beautiful walk that's on my list to repeat this year. We had shocking weather on this day, so it's worthwhile doing, even in the cooler months! Just make sure you go prepared."
Dovestone Reservoir boasts brilliant TripAdvisor ratings, with 134 five-star reviews and merely six out of over 200 reviewers awarding the location fewer than three stars. Guests describe the area as "magical", claiming the scenery appears "straight from a postcard".
One visitor commented: "What a beautiful part of the country. Fantastic views. Nice walk around the reservoir - you need walking boots if you are doing both reservoirs, as they are very muddy in parts. [It's] nice that there are loads of tracks to explore if you want."
Another person remarked: "Spectacular views and great walk for all abilities. Just needs a nice café and some amenities, and it would be perfect. Limited parking for a popular location makes it a challenge, but worth a visit."
This walk offers a perfect blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and year-round enjoyment, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a refreshing outdoor adventure in the Peak District.
