Chew Valley, Greater Manchester

Valley in the Peak District

Chew Valley in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, England, follows the course of Chew Brook on the western slopes of Black Chew Head to where it joins the River Tame at Greenfield, east of Manchester. Part of the higher fringes of the valley towards the peak of Black Chew Head lie across the boundary in Derbyshire. The eastern part of the valley including the reservoirs of Dovestone and Chew are within the north western extremity of the Peak District National Park. Chew Reservoir was completed in 1912. At 1,600 feet (488 m) above sea level, it was the highest reservoir constructed in England. A tram road was laid in Chew Valley to transport of clay to make an inner core for its dam to make it watertight. The tram and railway are gone but the route forms the Oldham Way long distance footpath; reconstructed bridge hosts a sign with information, pictures, and a map. In 1949, a BEA Douglas DC3 crashed into the hill at Wimberry Rocks killing 24 passengers and crew and leaving 8 survivors.

The Chew Brook begins as a small stream on the western slopes of Black Chew Head , part of Saddleworth Moor and the highest point of Greater Manchester. At the western end of the reservoir the brook emerges down a narrow and steep ravine, curving steadily to the northwest for before this time emptying into Dovestone Reservoir Exiting the western end of Dovestone, the brook – now a small river – meanders through the heart of Greenfield village. Chew Brook ends its journey a short distance below Greenfield railway station where it flows into the River Tame .