Finding the Trinnacle at Dovestone Reservoir

Do you like walking and hiking and are planning on visiting the Peak District National Park? How would you like to see picturesque landscapes whilst also doing some cool things like climbing to the top of a three-pronged grit-stone stack called the Trinnacle? 

If your answer is a big yes to all of the above, then carry on reading to find out more about how to find the Trinnacle in the Greenfield Valley.

Introducing the Reservoirs in the Greenfield Valley

Located on the north-western edge of the Peak District National Park is a very popular area called Dovestone Reservoir, which offers adventures to suit everybody. For reference, I’ve now been here three times and still haven’t done everything!

Dovestone is managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) and owned by United Utilities. Much of the area is designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and has SAC (Special Area of Conservation) status.

Dovestone Reservoir is actually one of three reservoirs in the Greenfield Valley. Above it lies Yeoman Hey and Greenfield Reservoirs. Furthermore, there’s a fourth one to the south-east of Dovestone at almost 500 m above sea level, called Chew Reservoir. 

You can just stroll along the reservoirs (the path is accessible for wheelchairs and prams), take your dog out for a walk or even sail. (Yes, the area has a sailing club). Unfortunately, you can’t camp or have barbecues here, but of course you can enjoy a lovely picnic.

If you wish to do more than a stroll, then there are countless circular walks along the open moorland above the reservoirs. We decided to do a shorter, but by no means less spectacular, walk along Saddleworth Moors. Our main aim was to find the popular formation called the Trinnacle. Depending on your pace you can complete this particular circular walk in about three hours.

How to get to Dovestone Reservoir and the Trinnacle?

By Car: Dovestone Reservoir and the Trinnacle are located to the east of the village of Greenfield just off the A635 Holmfirth Road. There are two car parks around the reservoirs: Binn Green Car Park (RSPB) (Post Code: OL3 7NN) and Dove Stone Reservoir Car Park (Post Code: OL3 7NE). If you wish to do the exact route we did, I suggest parking at the Binn Green car park as this is slightly closer.

If you don’t have your own car but would like to enjoy the freedom of a private vehicle, then you can always hire a car to visit Dovestone Reservoir.

Top Tip – It goes without saying that both car parks get full quickly so best to arrive early if you come on a weekend. Alternatively, I suggest visiting on a weekday if you can.

By Public Transport: Unfortunately, there isn’t a great public transport service to Dovestone Reservoir, however it’s not impossible either. You can arrive to Greenfield village by train. There are 2 hourly services to Manchester and Redcar and some services to York and Scarborough. If you’re coming from further afield, I suggest you travel to Manchester first.

From the train station you can walk to Dovestone Reservoir through Greenfield. It’s about 2.6 miles (4 km) walk and will take about 50 minutes. (Don’t forget you also need to come back!). You can catch one of the hourly bus services (Bus 350, 352 or 357) and disembark at Clarence Hotel bus stop which will shorten your walk by about 20 minutes. These services only operate every 30 minutes though.

Make sure to plan your journey with Trainline which also provides information on bus fares.

Useful to Know before You Go

Length of the Route

The route we chose to do was about 6 km (3.7 miles) long. Depending on your speed and how long you are spending taking photos or stopping for a picnic, this route could take at least 3 hours.

We started the walk from Binn Green Car Park and headed straight up to the top of Saddleworth Moor. From there walk along the heather-filled moor until you reach the Trinnacle and other rock formations. After passing the Trinnacle, carry on along the ridge, then slowly descend along Greenfield Brook. Once on the bottom, just follow the trail that will pass Greenfield Reservoir and Yeoman Hey Reservoir.

If you’d like to extend your walk, you can either walk along Dovestone Reservoir too or if you’re adventurous, then walk up to Chew Reservoir. Alternatively, you can just walk around the reservoirs if you’re after a more casual stroll.

Level of Difficulty

I would rate the Trinnacle trail as moderate but during bad weather conditions it can become difficult. For that reason, I highly recommend wearing the right footwear such as walking boots or trainers during the warmer months. The hike up to Saddleworth Moor is pretty steep and also the descent along Greenfield Brook can be slippery if the boulders are wet. You’ll likely need to use your hands at that section too. Whilst the heather covered moor is pretty flat it is also dense and that can slow you down a little.

However, if you’re just after a casual stroll around Dovestone Reservoir then the walk is relatively easy to complete.

Facilities around Dovestone and the Trinnacle

Cafes and picnic spots: This walk is slightly limited in terms of facilities. The closest place to grab something to eat or drink is in the village of Greenfield. Therefore, I highly recommend packing your own lunch, water and hot drinks. If the weather is lovely, you can stop for a picnic. You can definitely stop anywhere along Saddleworth Moor and find a little shelter with a view between the rock formations. It might be a bit windier so alternatively you can find a picnic spot along the reservoirs.

Toilet Facilities: Both car parks have toilets, however I’ve never seen the ones at Binn Green open. If you park there you need to be creative, I’m afraid. Same goes for the walking trail itself.

What to Wear and Bring with You?

You are in the north of England so weather conditions can change quickly. If you just walk around the reservoirs, you can even wear a dress if you wish. However, if you decide to do some ‘hiking’, I highly recommend wearing proper walking shoes and more appropriate clothing. 

Make sure you check the weather forecast before you set off and have a few layers with you. Even on a nice day it will be windier on the tops.

Pack some snacks and have plenty of water with you. The trail will provide you with some beautiful picnic spots!

The Trail to The Trinnacle

If you start your walk from Binn Green Car Park, you can reach the Trinnacle in two ways. 

You can either go clockwise and walk past Greenfield Reservoir then climb the brook up onto the moors. Likewise, you can approach the Trinnacle anticlockwise by walking along the dam wall separating Dovestone and Yeoman Reservoirs. We did the latter, so I’ll describe this way in more detail.

Once you’ve walked along the dam, you will need to head straight up. Yes, I know, it will look pretty steep and believe me, it is! But once you’re up the trail is rather relaxing, and the view is also amazing. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll come across some amazing rock formations so make sure you take some photos here! 

After that point you just have to walk north along the ridge, and you’ll reach the Trinnacle eventually. The view from the top is incredible so just take your time and enjoy it. You’ll know that you’re getting close to the Trinnacle because there will start to be more people around! It’s a pretty nice place to have a snack so make sure you do that if you wish.

The Star of The Walk: The Trinnacle

Coordinates: 53.5398° N, 1.9454° W

As you walk along the edge of Saddleworth Moor, you’ll notice all these crazy formations as a result of the last Ice Age. Of course, the star of the show has to be the three-pronged gritstone stack aptly named the Trinnacle. This monolith is very popular with both photographers and hikers. 

I know you’ll want that perfect Instagram shot from the top of the Trinnacle. As you can see by the photos I did climb up and it was amazing. BUT! It’s a sheer drop on the other side so please be careful and consider both the weather conditions and your capabilities before climbing up.

Once you’ve taken about a thousand photos for Instagram you can carry on following the trail and slowly start to descend. You’ll need to walk along the brook but in my opinion, walking down is much easier than climbing up. 

After you reach the bottom, you can just walk along the reservoirs before returning to your car. 

Additional Things to Do in the Peak District​

There are many amazing places and trails located near the Trinnacle walk and Dovestone Reservoir. So, if you’d like to see more of the Peak District then make sure to check out the 10 best hikes in the Peak District or browse for more hiking trails in the UK and around the world in my Hiking Adventures Series.

For now, here are some of my ultimate favourite hikes in the Peak District:

Bamford Edge and Ladybower Reservoir – A 7-mile circular trail with stunning views from the top of Bamford Edge looking towards Ladybower Reservoir and the Hope Valley. Click here to read it.

Dovedale Stepping Stones – A 6-mile circular route with beautiful views, stepping stones and the coolest limestone formations. Click here to read it. 

Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill – A 10 km circular route with a good mixture of trails, fields and ridges with some magnificent views of the surrounding area and beyond. Click here to read it. 

Macclesfield Forest – A 10 km circular route filled with unique features from dense pine forestation to an abandoned farmhouse, and even a miniature Matterhorn. Click here to read it. 

Monsal Dale and Wye Valley Walk – A 10 km circular route in Monsal Dale and the Wye Valley along the River Wye and Deep Dale, stopping at Monsal Head and Ashford-in-the-Water.  Click here to read it.

Padley Gorge Walk – A magical walk in the Peak District which will make you feel like you’re walking through an enchanted forest. Click here to read it.

Three Shires Head Walk – A picturesque waterfall, located at the meeting point of three counties in the north of England: Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Click here to read it.

Final Thoughts on Dovestone and the Trinnacle

Dovestone Reservoir definitely offers one of the best walks in the Peak District National Park. The area is beautiful in every season so if you live close by make sure you visit it a few times during the year. I personally love the area during August when the heather is in full bloom. 

Have you ever been to Dovestone Reservoir or the Peak District National Park before? How much of the area did you manage to explore? What is your favourite place? Let me know in the comments below.