How to complete the Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular Walk
The Dovedale Stepping Stones walk one of the most popular places to visit in the beautiful Peak District National Park. People in their thousands visit this beauty spot every year to see the ancient woodland, the river’s wildlife and enjoy peace and tranquillity.
You will walk in the stunning Dovedale Valley through a national nature reserve and emerge at the famous stepping stones Dovedale.
Without a doubt, it is one of the best short walks in the Peak District. The route to the Dove Dale stepping stones is easy to follow, and you can easily extend your walk if you’re feeling adventurous or want to see more.
The Dovedale National Nature Reserve is owned and looked after by the National Trust and has been since 1934. It became a nature reserve in 2006 because of the abundance of rare habitats and wildlife.
In 2021, Dovedale was named one of the seven natural wonders of the UK, by the Royal Geographical Society, due to the limestone rock and its fossilised remains of marine life from 350 million years ago.
The stones were placed here in the late 19th century, and to help tourists cross the dale! However, it is worth mentioning that you will have to queue to cross these stones at busy times because many people are trying to do the same thing at once.
It is pretty cool, though, as the stepping stones connect Staffordshire and Derbyshire. So you can go from one county to another!
We have created a complete guide that includes details of the walk, car parking information, facilities, top tips and more so that you know what to expect and don’t make the common mistakes of visiting the stepping stones in Dovedale.
About the area
Dovedale valley has been in existence that goes back to the beginning of time. It’s believed that the limestone mountains found in the Dovedale valley date back to 360 million years!
Fossilised animals are commonly seen on the walls also known as crinoids. It’s believed that the area is composed of dead marine mammals over time.
In the recorded history of mankind there are artifacts discovered here in settlements in the Iron Age including coins. Additionally, some weapons were discovered in Roman times.
The coins can be seen and other objects on display at Buxton Museum.
What are the Dovedale Stepping Stones?
The Dovedale Stepping stones are 16 limestone stones that cross the River Dove. In the late 19th century, the stones were laid to allow Victorian tourists to cross the river.
Victorian tourists loved the stepping stones and could access them more quickly due to the railways.
It gained fame in the Romantic period when artists visited to capture its splendor by painting. However, the advent of the railway made sure that the area experienced growth in Victorian visitors.
Dovedale Stepping Stones were believed to have been built in the Victorian time period in the 1890s to accommodate those more adventurous Victorian visitors who wanted to hike. In the past, there were donkey rides on the steps.
Again, Dovedale and the River Dove became famous in the 17th century for trout fishing after the book ‘The Compleat Angler’ by Izaak Walton. This book was one of first reasons that people began to arrive in the area.
It is still one of the most visited natural attractions in the UK, and people travel from far and wide to view it.
Controversially, the stones were renovated in 2010 with limestone slabs placed on top of the original ones, which has meant that the fossils that you could once see are no longer visible. The Dovedale stepping stones also connect two counties – Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
How to get to Dovedale Stepping Stones
The Dovedale Stepping Stones in the Dovedale Valley are in the White Peak area far south of the Peak District. It is near Ashbourne (5 miles), the Manifold Valley and Alstonefield. It is about an hour’s drive from Matlock and Buxton.
The road to the car park is narrow, so you must be careful when you drive. Unfortunately, there are limited options for public transport, and it is much easier to arrive by car.
The nearest traub stations are Matlock, 11 miles (17.7km) and Derby, 21 miles (33.8km).
The only bus route is a pre-booked service called Moorlands Connect, which runs from April – Sept. To book, call 01335 342 951 or go to Moorlands Connect website.
There is also the option to cycle on the National Cycle Network Route along to Narlow Lane through Thorpe to Ilam. Please be aware that the road can be busy at times and care will need to be taken.
Dovedale Stepping Stones Postcode: DE6 2AY
Dovedale Stepping Stones Car Parking
You can park your car in Dovedale Car Park. Alternatively, you can park in Ilam Park and walk a mile. You will have to pay to park at both National Trust car parks (unless you hold a membership card).
At Dovedale Car Park, it costs £4 for 4 hours and £6 for the day, and the machine only accepts coins. You can park for free if you are a National Trust member, but you must scan your card.
The Dovedale car park is large, but it can be muddy in places. The fees might seem steep, especially as there are so many places you can park for free in the Peaks.
However, this area is hugely overcrowded, and the National Trust uses the fees to look after the nature reserve and protect the wildlife. It is so well looked after because you have to pay!
Some toilets are owned by the Peak District National Park Authority and cost 20p. Also, there is a National Trust kiosk for food, coffees and ice cream if you fancy something. However, the queue was huge when we last visited. But, that must mean that it is good!
The Dovedale Stepping Stones car park is open from 9 am – 7:30 pm, and you can reach the car park by using the Google Maps Directions here.
Dovedale Stepping Stones Postcode: DE6 2AY
Dovedale Stepping Stones Map
Dovedale Stepping Stones Weather
Please consider the weather before you come to Dovedale. We always prepare by checking:
When is the best time to go to Dovedale Stepping Stones?
The Dovedale stepping stones is a year-round walk. You can do it on shorter days. However, the stepping stones can become impassable after heavy rainfall due to flooding and debris.
You can check the river levels of the River Dove here before you go. Alternatively, the National Trust has useful boards that explain when it is unsafe before you begin the walk.
When we say that this is a popular place to visit, we are not joking. From our experience, we arrived at the car park at 9 am, and there were about seven vehicles.
When we returned to the car, the car park was entire, but it was overcrowded and difficult to get out of.
Therefore, if you want to visit, we cannot stress enough to come early or late and avoid crowds on weekends if possible (remember you can check social media channels of the National Trust to see if you should avoid).
Top Tips to Have a Safe and Fun Visit
- Take all your litter home with you and leave no trace. There are few bins because of limited resources and staff.
- Dogs are welcome on this walk. However, they need to be kept on a leads at all times because you are in a National Nature Reserve. We did see some dogs struggling to get across the stepping stones, so please look after them.
- You cannot light fires, have barbecues, camp or use your drone here.
- There are facilities at the car park but not on the rest of the walk. Toilets cost 20p, and you will need coins. There is also a kiosk that s
- You will need coins for the car park, as cards are currently not accepted.
- Take food with you, to have a picnic by the River Dove. It is beautiful!
- Stick to footpaths due to rockfall and erosion.
- Walking boots or wellies are recommended due to mud and flooding.
- There is no signal (or limited), so you will need to either download an offline map or have a paper map with you. For this walk you will need the Ordnance Survey: OL24 (White Peak) or the Landranger 119 to help navigate your route.
- Take layers and a waterproof with you. You never know if the conditions will change!
Dovedale Stepping Stones Directions
Dovedale Stepping Stones, grid ref: SK152514
Luckily, the famous stones are not too far away from the car park. However, it is worth noting that stepping stones are the only way to get over the river if you walk straight down the path.
If you do not fancy crossing them, it is better to cross the river on the wooden bridge 100ft on your right and continue on the loop around Thorpe Cloud or walk on the river’s right-hand bank (can be muddy and flooded).
From the car park, start next to the toilet block and walk along the gravel path with the River Dove on your right-hand side.
You will see Thorpe Cloud on your right, too, and the dale is exceptionally scenic. The River is the boundary between Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
Don’t cross the bridge on your right-hand side but continue straight on the path and go through the wooden gate. The trail becomes a tarmac path, but it can be flooded in parts after heavy rainfall.
It only takes 1km from the car park to reach the stepping stones. Many people decide to stop here to enjoy the beauty and either has a picnic or a paddle. Make sure you have your camera because it is stunning from every angle.
You can either cross over the stones (look for the fossils) or walk back along the bank on the other side.
If you are crossing the stepping stones, remember to take your time because they can be slippery and be careful if there is any debris or after there has been a lot of rainfall.
Also, be prepared to queue if you are visiting at extremely busy periods.
You will need to cross the footbridge to return to the car park. Alternatively, if you do not want to traverse the stones, you can walk along the tarmac path back to the car park the same way that you came.
The stones are the end of the track, as you cannot continue past them on the left-hand side of the River Dove. A lot of people find this way more manageable and accessible.
Frequently asked Questions
Are the Dovedale stepping stones accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs?
Yes, pushing a wheelchair or a pushchair to the stepping stones is possible. The path is gravel from the car park and becomes a tarmac path. It might not be the easiest journey though (although we did see people do it.
However, you will have to do the out and back route because it is not accessible on the stones.
How can I make this walk longer?
The Dovestone Stepping stones walk very short, but the best thing about this place is that you can easily extend the walk. Some options include:
- Ilam Village and Ilam Park – there is a cafe here, where you can grab something to eat.
- Thorpe Cloud Peak District
- Read our guide to the Dovedale Valley Walk
- Walk to Milldale
Can you go swimming at Dovedale Stepping stones?
Yes, lots of people swim and paddle here when it is warm.
Are the Dovedale stepping stones open?
Yes, they are open and free to visit. However, if you want to check whether they are open when you visit, you should see the National Trust website.
What wildlife can you see at the Dovedale stepping stones?
You can see dippers, rabbits, herons, kingfishers, buzzards, common darter dragonflies, etc. It is a great spot. We saw lots of people walking with their binoculars.
What’s been fimed at Dovedale?
Film and TV enthusiasts may be able to recognize this amazing and unspoiled valley from their favorite period dramas! These include The BBC’s Jane Eyre (2006) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).
It is also possible to recognize the views that surround Thorpe Cloud that featured in Robin Hood (2010) with Russell Crowe.
Is Dovedale free to visit?
Yes, it is free to visit the stepping stones. However, you will need to pay for parking and the toilets, so bring coins!
Where can I eat and drink after the walk?
A good place to visit after your walk is the Izaak Walton Hotel.
What other walks are nearby?
There are many great Peak District Walks, and you are spoilt for choice!
Please read our guides to
Are there any other stepping stones in the Peak District?
You can visit the Chee Dale Stepping Stones and the Hathersage Stepping Stones.
There you have it! A complete guide to how to visit the Dovedale stepping stones. Let us know if you have any questions or queries, and we will get back to you. Happy adventures!
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
