Miles: 6 Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 3-4 hours
Dovedale Walk is one of the more famous Peak District hikes but it has so many photo worthy views we feel it's worth mentioning for those of you that haven’t been there yet! With a large car park the hike is easy to access for all. We decided to attempt hiking the Peak District and chose Dovedale as our first one!
You'll experience the famous stepping stones in Dovedale and walks on shady paths alongside the River Dove as it cuts between towering limestone crags. After this point the path becomes a lot quieter and on a good day you may only see a handful of people as you reach the beautiful village of Ilam before circling back.
Kickoff: Arrive at Dovedale car park (DE6 2AY). Fees apply for those that aren't National Trust Members. As a point of caution, this car park tends to get busy so try to get here early to snag a space!
Step 1: To begin the walk, turn right out of the car park and follow the wide, well-marked path with the River Dove on your right.
Step 2: After approx 500 metres, cross over the river by way of the iconic stepping stones. Turn left immediately after crossing the river and go through the squeeze stile to follow the path to Mill Dale.
Step 3: This path takes you through the wooded slopes alongside the river. Look out for the fossils in the limestone on the steps. Continue on the main path, ignoring all other paths off. In parts the path is boarded with wooden planks, and tracks under beautiful shady trees.
Step 4: Continue on the path through Dove Dale until you reach a footbridge that crosses the river at Ilam Rock. Cross the river, signposted to Stanshope. Immediately after crossing the bridge turn right and follow the path through the woodland, signposted to Ilam, with the river now on your right again. Stay straight on the main path alongside and ignore the footpath off to the left marked ‘Ilam (Steep Ascent)’.
Step 5: Continue on the path under the trees until you pass through a squeeze stile in a wall (there's a bench for a rest stop). Turn left at the bench, heading away from the river, following the sign to Stanshope.
Step 6: This path climbs through beautiful woodland, with bright mosses covering the stone wall and tree trunks, before emerging into the grassy gorge of Hall Dale. Follow the main path straight on through the gorge, ignoring all paths off.
Step 7: As the gorge becomes more shallow and the village of Stanshope comes into view, look out for a footpath through a gate in a stone wall on your left. Cross the field diagonally left, walking in the direction of a derelict barn on the horizon.
Step 8: Continue through another gate, keeping the stone wall to your right. Stay straight on when the wall turns right, to reach a further gate in a wall. Keep right and follow the wall to the next gate.
Step 9: Go through the gate and cross the field diagonally left to reach a further gate in a wall. Go through the gate and veer left across a further field, with stunning views behind you, to reach Ilam Moor Lane.
Step 10: Turn left on this quiet country lane and continue walking along its length. Be aware that there is no footpath but there is usually minimal traffic. Where the lane forks, take the left hand fork and follow signs to Ilam.
Step 11: The beautiful village of Ilam is well worth exploring. There are National Trust tea rooms at Ilam Park, with great views and riverside walks along the River Manifold. The ice cream is also super tasty and rewards as a cold treat in the warmer months.
Step 12: In the centre of the village at the prominent monument of Ilam Cross, turn left to follow the road signposted to Dovedale and Thorpe. After approx. 250 metres turn left off the road on to a public footpath marked Bunster Hill.
Step 13: Stay on this obvious path across the fields through a series of gates, following signs to Dovedale, with the distinctive flat-topped mound of Thorpe Cloud ahead. The car park from where you started the Dovedale Walk eventually comes into view ahead of you.