Dovedale Walk: What To Know Before You Go

Is Dovedale the most scenic walk in the Peak District?

We tackled the Dovedale Walk just yesterday—in the middle of November, no less—and it was absolutely gorgeous, chilly air and all!
Dovedale ticks all the boxes, from scenic stepping stones and intriguing caves to towering limestone formations that’ll have you snapping photos every few steps. 

Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone up for a bit of an adventure, the Dovedale Walk really does offer something for everyone. 

Here’s your full guide to enjoying this beautiful trail, from parking tips to top highlights and accessibility.

Dovedale Walk Distance & Route

We took on the 6-mile Dovedale Valley walk, which covers all the main highlights and loops back to the start after reaching Milldale Village.

It took us around 4 hours, though you could manage it in about 3 without little ones in tow.

Stepping Stones

Let’s be honest: the stepping stones are the main event! When we arrived, they were thankfully not too slippery, but as more people crossed, they got muddier and slicker.

Shoes with a good grip are essential here—don’t underestimate these stones! They’re fun, , and a great photo spot, so take your time crossing (especially if it’s been raining).

Reynard’s Cave

We sent Callum up to Reynard’s Cave while we continued walking slowly—this climb is steep and can get quite slippery, so it’s not ideal for young kids. If you’re up for it, though, it only takes a few minutes to reach the top.

You’ll find the path to the cave about 20 minutes after the stepping stones. As you come off the stones, turn left and follow the flat path through the gate, then keep an eye out for the entrance on your right.

Even if you don’t make the climb, Reynard’s Cave is an impressive sight from below.

Ilam Rock

Further along the walk along the river, you’ll come to Ilam Rock, a striking limestone pinnacle.

Take a moment to snap some photos or catch your breath—it’s quite the view. Then continue straight to Dove Holes.

Dove Holes

Around 20-25 minutes after Ilam Rock, you’ll reach Dove Holes, a set of dramatic rock formations that feel like nature’s little playground.

Kids love exploring these “doorways” and climbing around the rocks. These were super slippy, so be really careful.

Milldale Village and Viator Bridge

Continue on from Dove Holes, and in another 30 minutes or so, you’ll reach Milldale Village. 

This tiny village is a great spot to take a break, and Viator Bridge is a popular spot for photos.

It’s a quaint stone footbridge that really gives that classic English countryside vibe. 

You’ll also find a little riverside picnic area here, perfect for refuelling before heading back.

Raven’s Tor

On your way back, you’ll pass Raven’s Tor, another impressive rock formation just before Ilam Rock. 

It’s a bit off the main path, but if you’re up for a short detour, it’s worth a peek to see these striking limestone cliffs up close.

Once you’re back at Ilam Rock, simply retrace your steps along the same path to return to the start.

Thorpe Cloud (Optional)

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you climb Thorpe Cloud instead—the hill that rises above Dovedale. 

It’s directly ahead as you cross the stepping stones, and it’s a popular climb for those wanting a bit of a challenge and panoramic views.

The ascent is steep in parts but short, taking around 20-30 minutes to reach the top. 

Even though we haven’t tackled it ourselves, it’s said to offer some of the best views over Dovedale Valley and the surrounding Peak District, making it worth the climb if you’re up for it.

Where to Park for the Dovedale Walk

For the most convenient access, head to Stepping Stones Car Park (postcode DE6 2AY then follow road signs). 

Parking is free for National Trust members, but if you’re not a member, it’s £5 for four hours or £7 for all-day parking, with payment available by cash at the machine, or card to the lovely National Trust staff.

The car park is just a short walk from the start of the trail going past the National Trust van, but it can fill up quickly, so getting there early is key to snagging a spot and starting your Dovedale adventure without any hassle.

Best Time to Do the Dovedale Walk

For a quieter experience, plan to arrive early and, if possible, avoid weekends in the summer or school holidays in general. We got there at 10 a.m. on a Sunday in November and had the Stepping Stones practically to ourselves—score!

By the time we headed back around 1 p.m., the path had filled up, especially near the main attractions, making it much busier and causing a queue to form to get back across the Stepping Stones. Arriving early really makes a difference.

Facilities on Site

Dovedale keeps it simple when it comes to facilities, so here’s what to expect:

Toilets

There are basic toilets available near the Stepping Stones Car Park. They cost 20p and the upkeep isn’t great.

They can get busy, especially on weekends, so you might need to be prepared for a short wait.

Food and Drinks

A refreshments van is located in the car park, but it has limited hours. When we visited, it wasn’t open at 10 a.m. but had started serving later on and closed around 2:30 p.m.

If you’re planning an early start or a long day, it’s a good idea to pack some snacks. Alternatively, Ashbourne is nearby and has plenty of spots to grab food before or after your walk.

How to Get to Dovedale

Getting to Dovedale is pretty straightforward, with a few options depending on where you’re coming from. The roads are quite narrow and windy, so opt for the confident driver to handle this one. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of distance from some of the major cities you may fly in to:

From Manchester

Dovedale is about 40 miles away (roughly a 1.5-hour drive) southeast of Manchester. 

Just follow the A6 toward Buxton, then hop on the local roads into the Peak District. 

The drive itself is a bit of a warm-up for the natural beauty that awaits at Dovedale!

From London

Dovedale is about 150 miles from London, so plan for around 3-3.5 hours if you’re driving. Take the M1 north, and once you’re past Derby, it’s all about those scenic Peak District roads.

For those opting for public transport, the easiest way is to take a train to Ashbourne. From there, it’s about a 90-minute walk to Dovedale or a quick £15-£20 taxi ride to get you straight to the start of the trail—no fuss, no hassle!

From Birmingham

It’s around 55 miles from Birmingham (about 1.5-2 hours by car), heading northeast. Take the A38 north, then join the A515, and just follow the signs as you wind through the lovely rolling hills.

Where to stay near the Dovedale Walk?

If you’re planning to extend your Dovedale adventure into an overnight stay, here are three charming accommodations nearby:

The Izaak Walton Hotel ⭐⭐⭐

👍 8.1/10 – 1,070 reviews

Right between Ilam and Thorpe, the 17th-century Izaak Walton Hotel makes for a great base with views over the Dovedale Valley.
The rooms are comfortable, and the on-site Haddon Restaurant is perfect for a hearty meal after a day of exploring.

Stanshope Hall ⭐⭐⭐⭐

👍 9.5/10 – 389 reviews

For a quieter, more unique stay, Stanshope Hall is ideal. It’s just a short drive from Dovedale, set in a lovely old manor surrounded by peaceful gardens. The rooms here have that classic English charm, making it feel like a real countryside retreat—perfect if you’re after some peace and quiet after a day on the trails.

FAQs

Is Dovedale a Hard Walk?

Dovedale is a great family-friendly walk with easy terrain that’s perfect for kids and casual walkers. We did the whole trail with an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old, and they loved the stepping stones and exploring the caves along the way.

Most of the path is well-kept, though there are a few bumpy spots here and there. As long as you’ve got decent footwear, it’s a pretty accessible outing. Just a heads up—the caves do require a bit of scrambling if you want to get up close, so be ready for a little adventure!

Can You Swim in the River at Dovedale?

While the riverbanks at Dovedale might look tempting, swimming isn’t really recommended—the water’s deep, chilly, and has some sneaky currents.

The river definitely adds to the scenic charm, but sticking to the trail keeps things safe and fun for everyone, especially if you’ve got kids in tow.

Conclusion

The Dovedale walk really is one of those places where nature, family fun, and a bit of adventure just click together perfectly. We had such a blast that we’re already planning to go back next weekend! 

Whether you’re there to tackle the stepping stones, gawk at those towering limestone cliffs, or just stroll along the trail and soak up the countryside, Dovedale is the kind of spot that makes you want to come back for more.

At time of writing, there are currently no Coronavirus measures limiting tourists to enter England. This is in accordance with the information provided on gov.uk.