Route around Dovestones

Don't think there's any good bw riding round Dovestones, it's all fps.

Alphin pike is classic and has a nice easy road climb up to Chew reservoir to gain height. The traverse across is a bit stop start technical, though, and descent might not be what the doctor ordered if you've been out of the game for a bit. There are no big moves or anything, it's just rough and can get quite fast.

If your after a sedate bridle way type ride then possibly pick up the tame valley loop it has a couple of route options depending on length of ride you want

Dovestones is very stop start and anything not gritty will be sloppageddon. IMO not for this week

I'd suggest following the track around to Carrbrook and on to walkerwood resi,then up to swineshaw resi, south on hobson Moor Road.

Then turn north up to wild Bank Hill. There is a techy down off the west side but there is a great grassy track heading north, very dales like.

That brings you back to swineshaw again, then there is a nice climb over the top of turf pits and back to Carrbrook.

Take some binoculars and walk around the reservoir, do some birdwatching.

Dovestones will be minging. You’re best riding just over the tops Marsden way on some of the more water resistant stuff - Digley, Wessenden, Deer Hill, Eastergate. I can provide more details if you don’t know the area.

'nice easy road climb' my arse 🙂 It certainly didn't feel easy after Wild Bank, Alphin and those trails near the sailing club, it was about 30 degrees though!

A smidge further south, I did a nice ride last week from Hadfield up the south side of the reservoirs, up Woodhead pass, then back down on the north side of the reservoirs.
Was quite nice.

I looked for a ride at Dovestone but as mentioned, it's all footpaths really.

The Tame Valley Loop is cracking on a gravel bike, quite Tame (harr harr) on MTB but has a good variety of bits in it, very easy to follow as it is all signposted and gets you right into Stalybridge centre for a pint

Route map here

As above the easy road climb isn't easy

The edge is a good place to fall off and help Glossop Mountain Rescue increase their call out stats. It's a bit of an accident blackspot

Thanks all. It looks like this is becoming a family affair, so I'll be packing boots not bikes and walking round it.

And here's a boring fact for you. I'm very distantly related to the MP James Platt who's memorial is on the hill above the lake. He was on a hunting trip with a couple of mates, one of which (the Mayor of Oldham) got his rifle caught in the folds of his cape, tripped and shot Platt in the leg causing him to bleed to death.

Don't do guns kids, or capes.

hannahjayy
Free Member
The Tame Valley Loop is cracking on a gravel bike, quite Tame (harr harr) on MTB but has a good variety of bits in it, very easy to follow as it is all signposted and gets you right into Stalybridge centre for a pint

Route map here

Thanks, have downloaded that and will follow it if plans change.

Don’t do guns kids, or capes.

@HtS I did the Tame Valley Loop on Monday, it’s a nice gravel route as others have said. It passes the Waggon and Horses where we did an MNPR from a while back. Let me know any time if you (and Oliver?) fancy it

Rich

Thanks Rich. Would like to have a go at that, but not this weekend.

Oliver is doing a navigation exercise with Explorers up there this weekend. I'm picking them up, but will be getting there a couple of hours early and having a wander to make the most of the opportunity.