Alphin Pike is a glorious little hill (469m in stature) overlooking to beautiful Dovestone Reservoir and surrounding Chew Valley.
Despite its not-quite-high-enough-to-make-a-mountain stature, this hill has some incredible views to rival its bigger counterparts across the Dark Peak.
It’s such a local one to me that I admit I generally take it for granted. But I popped up for a sunrise early in January and felt this little hill really does deserve its own little spot on this hiking blog. So here it is.
Alphin Pike Views to Visitor Ratio
One of my favourite things about Alphin Pike is the fact that, despite overlooking to busy Dovestone Reservoir, it’s rarely a summit I encounter other people on. The trig point affords 360 degree views as far as the mountains of Snowdonia on a clear day, across to the Peak District and Lancashire. This makes it as good a spot for a sunrise as a sunset. And the shelter by the trig point means even in windy conditions you can stop to catch you breath.
From the summit of Alphin you can either make it a quick jaunt and go right back the way you came, or hike on across the tops overlooking Dovestone to make a bigger Dovestone hiking day.
The last time I was up was an early January sunriser. And what a day that was:
Alphin Pike Walk Route
I tend to park in Greenfield and walk up. But it’s perfectly feasible to take the train to Greenfield too, so here’s a route that would take you from Greenfield Station right up to the trig and back.
Plenty of add on options for a longer walk, of course.
The paths on this one are easy to follow with epic views back over the village of Greenfield quickly:
Beautiful views do make a hike more enjoyable, eh? And you know what else I like on a hill walk? A pretty trig point. This one definitely has that:
And it also has exceptional views over to Dovestone reservoir from one side as well:
Here’s a short video from my last little outing up there:
@staceyhikesA little sunrise hike local to me. 📍 Alphin Pike. Forever chasing sunrises
Alphin Pike FAQs:
Alrighty, let’s look at some the usual questions (the things I ask myself before heading up any new hill).
Is Alphin Pike Suitable for Children?
Yes! My eldest two have both been up here a few times:
However, it is not pushchair friendly. So if you’re taking tots who are too young to walk, you’ll probably want a hiking carrier.
Where’s the best place to park for Alphin Pike?
There’s some on street parking in Greenfield but not loads. You can access Alphin Pike from Dovestone and there’s a large car park there but it does get busy!
How are the paths up Alphin Pike?
They’re clear and easy to follow. However, if it has been wet the paths are often muddy and a little boggy in parts. You’ll want sturdy footwear. Leave the Crocs at home for this one!
