After assembling in the car park, four of us set off for a walk starting at the Dove Stone reservoir, on the Eastern edge of Greater Manchester. We began with a slow, steady climb up the side of the valley, following the route that the old trams would have taken up to Chew reservoir. The water in the reservoir was a stunning blue, and a great photo opportunity.

We then crossed the moor onto the ridge, with amazing views over the valley. We walked past Dish Stone Brow, Bramley’s Cot, Cairn on Fox Stone, Dean Rocks, and finally the very impressive Raven Stones. For lunch, we sat on a ledge, enjoying the vast panoramic view over Dove Stone reservoir, and out to Oldham and Manchester.

From Raven Stones, we had an adrenalin-inducing scramble following the river down to the weir. Our thanks to Sarah for guiding us down. Once at the bottom, with calmer nerves, we followed the brook to Greenfield reservoir, and then followed the path along Dove Stone reservoir, back to our starting point and a very handily placed ice cream. Our thanks to Howard for sponsoring our refreshments.