Despite living in England for 23 years, I have only recently begun to discover its magical, hidden spots. Although the sun is barely shining here, there are some hikes and views that will bring a little light to your life. To date, my absolute favourite is located in the Peak District National Park- Dovestone Reservoir/ The Trinnacle. This is for a bundle of reasons, which I have enjoyed delving into below, but first, the basics.
Location: Greater Manchester
Car Park: Dovestone Car Park
Duration: Full day/ 2 hours for just Reservoir
Distance: 4km Reservoir loop/ 7.2km including the Trinnacle
Dovestone Reservoir
Adjacent to the car park, the Dovestone Reservoir is a vast stretch of glistening water surrounded by forest greenery. Therefore making it perfect for a midday stroll and I highly recommend bringing a picnic. There are many spots you can stop to take in the scenery with a bite to eat. You can walk the full circumference of the reservoir or opt for a longer walk and carry on to see greenfield reservoir.
The Trinnacle
Something I look for in a hike is interesting terrain and this route definitely gives you a Scramble! The views themselves are worth the journey, but for extra adventure you can climb onto the Trinnacle for that full isolation within nature feel. The rocks are large and stable, but be careful with your footing on the descent. As I sat upon the left fork, the sun gleamed, bringing warmth to my cheeks and a glistening shimmer across the reservoir. Once you have soaked in the views, you can head back down through the peaks. Of course, you can start from that direction, but I preferred to see the waterfalls as part of the journey, instead of having my back to them on the way down.
If you do not fancy the scramble, you can always approach from the right side of the reservoir. Follow through the hills and valley and then return the same way.
How to find the Trinnacle
Once past the 2nd Reservoir, follow through the valleys to discover the foot of Greenfield Waterfall, where the adventure truly begins. Hop, skip and jump (with caution) across red stained stones and mossy rock pools. You will catch a glimpse of the Trinnacle towering above to the right. Continue up through the cascading waters, jumping over to the right as the incline starts to plateau. From there, scale up towards the jagged stone formation.
Shanni’s Top Tips
- Car Park- Pay for more hours than you think you will take. This way you can enjoy and relax instaed of worring about your return.
- Shoes- Waterproof shows are ideal. Then you can enjoy meandering through the waterfalls.
- Check the weather- Climbing The Trinnacle is only safe when it is dry and clear. You will also get a better view from the top.
I love this hike, as although I love rolling green hills are pretty , this route offers so much more excitement. This is an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the North. Get out there and explore!
Read more National Park Hikes HERE!