Valehouse Reservoir walk (circular, 3.7km)

Situated on the Manchester edge of the Peak District National Park, this is an easy-going circular walk around Valehouse Reservoir that takes you over both Valehouse Reservoir Dam and Rhodeswood Reservoir Dam. There are interesting weirs and plug holes to spot enroute that help manage the flow of water along the reservoirs; Valehouse Reservoir is just one reservoir along a string of five in this region of the Peak District.

Much of the route is along paved lanes (some of which are accessed by very infrequent cars or tractors). This walk would be added to our list of Peak District pram-friendly walks, except the last section is along a very rocky path.

Please note that there is no direct access to the water along this Valehouse Reservoir walk, and swimming or paddling in the reservoir is strictly prohibited.

Valehouse Reservoir walk Map

On all Peak District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the OS Explorer Map OL 01 (Dark Peak). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.

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This walk follows the below map in a clockwise direction.

Get a printable download of this walk

The route

START: Valehouse Reservoir Dam
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SK 0324 9729
Postcode: there is no postcode for this walk
what3words: ///decisions.torso.spurned

Route follows a clockwise direction.

1. From the parking area, walk across Valehouse Reservoir Dam. Valehouse Reservoir is on your right and Bottoms Reservoir on your left.

2. When you reach the other side of the reservoir, follow the lane around to the left and then take an immediate sharp right. You will now be walking alongside the northwestern edge of Valehouse Reservoir (the reservoir is on your right).

3. Follow the tree-lined lane for 1.3km to the opposite end of Valehouse Reservoir.

4. Cross over the bridge (there’s an amazing stepped weir to your left) and then take the steps uphill on the left. If you want a more gradual incline and to avoid the steps, just follow the lane ahead after the bridge. At the top of the steps take the higher lane leading uphill to Rhodeswood Reservoir Dam. 

5. Take a right at the dam wall and walk to the other side of Valehouse Reservoir (cars can drive along here). Just before the end of the dam wall on the left, you can see the plug holes which managed the overflow from Rhodeswood Reservoir. 

6. Take a right at the end of the dam wall to then walk underneath the electricity pylons. 

7. 370 metres from Rhodeswood Reservoir Dam, you will reach a gate. Follow the yellow signposted arrow past the gate and walk through the farm. Continue walking along the lane. 

8. Where the Pennine Trail crosses the lane, take a right downhill and follow the footpath with Valehouse Reservoir soon on your right. Continue this footpath back to the parking area.