A Reservoir Hike (24/02/2018)


A small select group of three set off from Dovestones car park on a perfect winter's day with plenty of sunshine and clear visibility. The steep climb to Chew Reservoir warmed us up especially with the biting easterly wind. Once on the top the hard ground allowed us to make good progress to Laddow Rocks with great views across the valley. We passed the reservoirs of Torside, Rhodeswood, Valehouse and Bottoms before enjoying lunch in a small park in Tintwistle where we were joined by David Allen who had taken a different route to join us. We pushed on north to Lower & Higher Swineshaw reservoirs then around Buckton Vale quarry and then joined the Oldham Way to return to Dovestones. Throughout the 18 mile walk we had friendly company from the South Pennine challenge walkers, together with a warm welcome from John when we arrived, a coffee and snack at one of the checkpoints and a most generous invite to join the group, for coffee, cake and a chat, in the Sailing Club after our walk. A huge thank you to the warmth and generosity of our South Pennine colleagues. Another successful walk when we finished with one more than we started with!