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▶The Trinnacle
A dramatic three-pronged gritstone stack perched on Saddleworth Moor above three reservoirs, reached via a steep scramble up Birchen Clough waterfall.
Loop
About
A scramble up Birchen Clough waterfall leads to this dramatic three-pronged gritstone stack with views across three reservoirs.
The Trinnacle is a striking gritstone rock formation sitting high on Raven Stones Brow above Greenfield Brook, with commanding views down the valley over Dovestone, Yeoman Hey and Greenfield reservoirs. The most popular circular route sets out from the Dovestone Reservoir car park on Bank Lane, tracing the water’s edge northward past all three reservoirs before the path steepens sharply into the rocky scramble up Birchen Clough beside its cascading waterfall. Good footwear, sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential; the rocks become seriously slippery in wet conditions and some sections require use of hands.
Once on top of the moor the terrain opens out onto heather-covered moorland with far-reaching moorland views. The Trinnacle itself appears as a cluster of isolated pillars on Ravenstones Edge and makes for exceptional photographs from ground level. Note that climbing the stack is extremely dangerous and falls have occurred; do not attempt it. The descent follows Greenfield Brook back down the valley and involves more scrambling and careful rock-hopping across the brook at the bottom before the flat reservoir-side path returns you to the car park.
The car park at Dovestone Reservoir (Bank Lane, OL3 7NE) fills up fast on weekends and during summer; arriving before 10am is strongly advised. Binn Green car park further along the A635 is an alternative starting point and requires a slight route adjustment. An ice cream van and coffee truck appear seasonally in the car park, and public toilets are available on site. There are no facilities on the moor itself, so bring everything you need.
Why go
- The Trinnacle is one of the most photogenic gritstone formations in the Peak District, perched dramatically on Ravenstones Edge with wide views over three reservoirs far below.
- The route earns its reward through a genuine scramble up Birchen Clough waterfall, making it feel like a proper adventure rather than a Sunday stroll.
- The heather-covered moorland at the top is spectacular in August and the ridge walk between the waterfall and the Trinnacle is one of the most atmospheric stretches in Greater Manchester.
- Be warned: the descent beside Greenfield Brook is steep, rocky and notoriously slippery when wet, requiring care and decent footwear throughout.
- Afterwards, The Clarence pub in Greenfield is a short drive or walk away for a post-hike pint.
Before you go
- Do not attempt to climb the Trinnacle itself; falls have occurred. Scrambling sections beside the waterfall require hands and careful footing. Partial closure on Chew Road footpath (Footpath 272) as of December 2025, check AllTrails for updates before setting out.
- Rocky scramble sections become very slippery and boggy after rain; avoid in icy or high-wind conditions. Heather is at its best in August.
- Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
Map
Open mapReviews
Read all 4Amazing places, Peak District,UK . One of the best hikes in UK for all family !
Dovestone Reservoir's Trinnacle is a stunning spot! A short, steep hike (about 1 mile) takes you to this iconic rock formation, with breathtaking views of the reservoir & surrounding hills. Perfect for photography, picnics, or just soaking in the Peak District beauty.
Tips
0Is this suitable for children or beginners?+
The Trinnacle trail is not suitable for young children or beginner walkers. The route involves a steep scramble up Birchen Clough waterfall where hands are needed and there's a significant climb onto the moor, so a reasonable level of fitness and sure-footedness is essential.
How long does the walk take and how far is it?+
The circular route from Dovestone Reservoir car park covers several miles and typically takes a few hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the top. Exact distance and timing aren't confirmed here, so allow a generous window.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?+
The car park and trail get very busy on weekends, bank holidays, and throughout summer, with peak congestion between 10am and 3pm. Arriving before 10am on weekends is strongly advised to secure a parking space, and weekdays outside school holidays are noticeably quieter. Late summer (August) is especially scenic when the moorland heather blooms.
Featured in
1 guide
Showing the start and the waymarked paths nearby. The route line is added with a GPX file.
Do not attempt to climb the Trinnacle itself; falls have occurred. Scrambling sections beside the waterfall require hands and careful footing. Partial closure on Chew Road footpath (Footpath 272) as of December 2025, check AllTrails for updates before setting out.
- 1. From Dovestone Reservoir car park on Bank Lane (OL3 7NE), head up the small rise to the reservoir edge and take the main path left (northward) along the western bank of Dovestone Reservoir.
- 2. Continue north along the reservoir edge, passing the sailing club, then bear right to follow the path along the eastern side of Yeoman Hey Reservoir.
- 3. Pass Yeoman Hey Reservoir and continue to the far end of Greenfield Reservoir; the path steepens here as it leaves the waterside and climbs alongside Birchen Clough.
- 4. Scramble up the rocky terrain beside the cascading Birchen Clough waterfall, use hands where needed and take extra care on wet rock. This is the crux of the route.
- 5. At the top of the scramble, bear left onto the open moorland of Ashway Moss and follow the ridge path westward along Ravenstones Edge.
- 6. The Trinnacle gritstone formation appears to your right on the ridge; stop here for views over the valley. Do not climb the stack.
- 7. Continue west along the ridge past the Trinnacle, then turn south-west descending via Greenfield Brook, carefully picking your way down the steep and often muddy path beside the stream.
- 8. At the bottom, rock-hop across Greenfield Brook and turn left onto the flat reservoir path; follow it south along Greenfield and Yeoman Hey reservoirs back to the car park.
Trail details
- Route typeLoop
- Terrainmoorland, reservoir, riverside, rocky scramble, waterfall
- Best seasonSpring, Summer, Autumn
- Dog friendlyYes
- Buggy or wheelchairNot suitable
Rocky scramble sections become very slippery and boggy after rain; avoid in icy or high-wind conditions. Heather is at its best in August.
Getting there
- ParkingDovestone Reservoir Car Park, Bank Lane
- Parking costUp to 2hrs £1, up to 4hrs £2, over 4hrs £4. Free for RSPB members and Blue Badge holders.
- PostcodeOL3 7NE
Features
Getting there
- ParkingDovestone Reservoir Car Park, Bank Lane
- Parking costUp to 2hrs £1, up to 4hrs £2, over 4hrs £4. Free for RSPB members and Blue Badge holders.
- PostcodeOL3 7NE
Reviews
4Amazing places, Peak District,UK . One of the best hikes in UK for all family !
Dovestone Reservoir's Trinnacle is a stunning spot! A short, steep hike (about 1 mile) takes you to this iconic rock formation, with breathtaking views of the reservoir & surrounding hills. Perfect for photography, picnics, or just soaking in the Peak District beauty.
Amazing morning hike! I have a fear of heights and managed to do it. We climbed up the hill and came down the waterfall as opposed to going up the waterfall. One part of the waterfall was difficult to climb down due to height but managed to do it. Breath taking views. Highly recommend d.
Completed the main 5 hour walk and it was amazing. Challenging in some spots but kept it exciting. Would recommend to anyone interested in walking. Can't wait to go back again. Lots of parking and toilets at the bottom. We did find that when we arrived back at the car park around 2pm it was very busy and cars lining up for spaces. Parking all day is £4 and you can pay by card. Enjoy!
Tips
0Questions
7Is this suitable for children or beginners?+
The Trinnacle trail is not suitable for young children or beginner walkers. The route involves a steep scramble up Birchen Clough waterfall where hands are needed and there's a significant climb onto the moor, so a reasonable level of fitness and sure-footedness is essential.
How long does the walk take and how far is it?+
The circular route from Dovestone Reservoir car park covers several miles and typically takes a few hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the top. Exact distance and timing aren't confirmed here, so allow a generous window.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?+
The car park and trail get very busy on weekends, bank holidays, and throughout summer, with peak congestion between 10am and 3pm. Arriving before 10am on weekends is strongly advised to secure a parking space, and weekdays outside school holidays are noticeably quieter. Late summer (August) is especially scenic when the moorland heather blooms.
Where do I park and how much does it cost?+
The main car park is at Dovestone Reservoir on Bank Lane (OL3 7NE) and is a paid car park that fills up fast, so arriving before 10am on weekends is strongly advised. An alternative is Binn Green car park further along the A635, though it requires a slight route adjustment. Exact pricing isn't confirmed here, check on arrival.
Can I bring my dog?+
Dogs are welcome on the footpaths, though it's worth keeping them on a lead around the moorland during ground-nesting bird season, and they shouldn't swim in the reservoir. The scrambling sections can be challenging for some dogs.
What should I wear and bring?+
Sturdy walking or hiking boots are strongly recommended, the rocks in Birchen Clough and along Greenfield Brook become seriously slippery when wet. Bring waterproofs and layers, as the moor is exposed and weather on Saddleworth is unpredictable. Pack enough food and water, as there are no facilities on the trail itself, though seasonal ice cream and coffee vans sometimes appear at the car park.
Is it safe to climb the Trinnacle rock stack itself?+
Climbing the rock stack itself is extremely dangerous and falls have occurred, so it should not be attempted. The best way to enjoy the Trinnacle is from ground level, where it makes for spectacular photographs.