Dovestones Reservoir | 3 Mile Circular Route
Know Before You Go: Dovestones Reservoir At A Glance
Please note that on Saturday 11th July 2026 fire crews were called to a report of a fire on the open moorland around Dovestones Reservoir. As of 30th July the public are still being advised to avoid the area.
| 📏 Distance: 2.75 miles (4.3km) | ⭐ Difficulty: Easy |
| ⏱️ Time: 1 Hour | ⛰️ Elevation Gain: |
| 🧭 Route: Circular | 🐶 Dog Friendly: Yes |
| 👪 Family Friendly: Yes | 🥾 Terrain: Well defined path with light stones |
| 🚻 Facilities: Public toilets in car park, Ice Cream Van (summer months) | 📍What3Words: ///quench.reservoir.cutaway |
| 🗺️ OS Maps: Route available below | 🌿 Wellbeing moment: Woodland picnic area, striking hill views and ice cream van in the summer months |
This 3-mile circular route around Dovestones reservoir is one of the regions most accessible and rewarding reservoir walks. It is the perfect walk to get out and clear your head — with plenty of benches giving you the opportunity to slow down and really take in your surroundings.
The walk combines expansive moorland views, dramatic gritstone cliffs and a beautiful woodland, making it the perfect choice for families, beginners and experienced walkers alike.
Hiking for a healthier mind: Dovestones Reservoir Wellbeing Rating
| Quietness | ⭐⭐ |
| Scenic Views | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stress Relief | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Physical Challenge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Accessibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Dovestones Reservoir Route Description
This walk is a really simple route which hugs the side of the reservoir pretty much all of the way round — so not much room to go wrong. Starting off from the car park, follow the path up and take the path down the left side of the reservoir. You shortly reach a gate and then cross a bridge, and the path comes back round to the right. Stay on the stoney path along the reservoir — you have some stunning views in front of you here.
You will soon reach a path up to another gate, head through the gate and turn right, then right again crossing over to the other side of the reservoir. On the other side, follow the path to the right (there is a picnic area here).
Continue along the path and follow it around, there is a section of small woodland in the middle that the path skirts around and then you cross a bridge. Continue along past the sailing club and you are back at the car park.
Got the OS Map App? Follow the route by clicking the link below.
Where To Eat And Drink After Walking Dovestones Reservoir
The closest place to eat and drink following a walk around Dovestones Reservoir is The Clarence which is located on Chew Valley Road (a 3-minute drive or a 10-minute walk). If you are eating you will need to book a table. The pub is dog-friendly allowing your four legged friends both in the outside eating area as well as inside bar/pub areas. There is a children’s menu and they serve Sunday lunch from £15.95 from 12-7pm.
Pics From The Peaks: More From Dovestones Reservoir
