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.
Full route
- 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.
The Trinnacle
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.
Reviews
Amazing places, Peak District,UK . One of the best hikes in UK for all family !
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Trail details
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
Routes
- 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.
Facilities nearby
Business Info
- https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/greater-manchester/greenfield-waterfall-circular
- Raven Stones Brow, Saddleworth Moor, Greenfield, Oldham, OL3 7NE
Features
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Reviews 5.0 · 4 reviews
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Posted on Google
Amazing places, Peak District,UK . One of the best hikes in UK for all family !
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Posted on Google
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.
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Posted on Google
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.
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Posted on Google
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!