Dovestone

Dovestone is a popular spot with tourists and local residents, and because of this it can often cause a strain on the area. Therefore, we have worked with local stakeholders to create an action plan to improve and protect Dovestone. Click the link below to find out more.

It’s beauty attracts walkers, bird watchers, cyclists and nature lovers, and for the more adventurous, there are activities such as sailing and orienteering.

We work closely with RSPB to protect and enhance Dovestone, for example, by undergoing peatland restoration work and also restoring habitats.

Read our Action Plan

Important Notice

The pathway across the dam at Dovestone reservoir will be closed between 9am and 4pm from Monday 19th January until Friday 30th January due to essential maintenance works.

Activities and site information

For mobile users, swipe ← left / right →

peatlands

Peatland restoration

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Bird watching

Sailing

Dovestone Sailing Club

walking

Walking routes

Orientering

Orienteering

Healthy peatlands can store more carbon per square meter than a tropical rainforest and provide excelent defence against flooding. You can find out more here.

Dovestone is an RSPB reserve with many birds, from Curlew and Plover to Grouse and Peregrine.

Although we do not allow swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking on our reservoir, you can safely take part in sailing on our water with Dovestone Sailing Club, which operates from the South end of our reservoir. For more information, please see www.dovestone.org.uk.

Dovestone offers easier routes which are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs with flat paths. For the more adventurous, you can access the longer trails.

Radar key required for disabled access gates.

Orienteering course available, see www.gmoa.org.uk.

Reminder

No fires, BBQs or fireworks are permitted on our estate land – also don't discard cigarettes, litter or matches whilst walking or driving through the countryside – all these can start a fire which can spread very easily especially in hot weather. You could end up with a £2,500 fine or prison sentence.

No swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking is allowed at our Dovestone site. Reservoirs can be extremely dangerous and are not the place for these kinds of activities due to the risk of deep water, strong current and cold-water shock.

 

 

For more information on rules and guidance, click the button below.

Rules and reservoir guidance

If you have any general enquiries, please speak to our friendly team on 0345 672 3723.

You may also want to read about:

Blue-green algae

Giant hogweed

Recreation permits

Dovestone Reservoir map