How to complete the Dovedale Walk + Dovedale Stepping Stones
The Dovedale Walk is a glorious walk in the the Peak District National Park in the White Peak area. Dovedale is owned by the National Trust and is a National Nature Reserve, which means it is well-looked after and bustling with wildlife.
When you walk through the picturesque valley, is it hard to believe that it was once underwater. Today, there are many.
One of the walk highlights, the River Dove, known as the Princess of Rivers, boasts inviting crystal clear water. The walk also features the famous stepping stones, attracting over a million visitors every year. They have been in the valley since 1890, when donkeys were stranded to take visitors further into the countryside.
However, in our opinion, the best thing about Dovedale is that there are many fantastic walking routes, where you can see incredible natural wonders, including caves, pinnacles and limestone ravines.
Therefore, although this area can get bustling (especially around the Dovedale stepping stones), it is possible to find peace and quiet without the crowds if you know where to go.
The Dovedale circular walk that we describe, starts and ends at Dovedale Car park, crosses the stepping stones and continues along the River Dove sweeping up into the valley and then walking back along with the River Dove to the car park, taking in the natural wonders as you go.
This walk is perfect for a day out with a picnic by the river.
If you only want to visit the stepping stones. Please read our guide to the Dovedale Stepping Stones walk – which explains a shorter route, than the one described below. Happy exploring.
Good to know: if you love stepping stones, a great and quieter alternative is the Chee Dale Stepping Stones.
Dovedale Walk Details
Walk Distance: 7.7km / 4.7 miles
Walk Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3- 3.5 hours
Ordnance Survey: OL24 Peak District – White Peak Area
Crowd Levels: High
Dovedale Walk Map
How to get to Dovedale:
The Dovedale walk is near Thorpe and Ilam and to the north of Ashbourne. Unfortunately, public transport options are inconvenient to reach this walk and would add a lot of time/ distance to your walk.
Dovedale Car Park
The address is Dovedale car park, Thorpe, Derbyshire DE6 2AY. You can follow the Google Maps Directions to reach the Dovedale Car Park.
The car park opens between 9 am and shuts at 7:30 pm, so you must have left before then. If you are a National Trust member, you can park for free as long as you scan your badge and display your ticket.
If not, you will need to pay £4 for 4 hours and £6 for all day in coins.
Unfortunately, there is a limited signal in the car park, so the cards are not yet working.
The car park is large, yet still gets overcrowded, there are paid public toilets (20p in coins) and a kiosk selling ice-creams, coffees and food.
Alternative parking is in Thorpe Village of Ilam Park (see below). However, this will make you walk longer, and you will need to factor that into your day.
Please do not park on grass verges or in passing places, the roads can be narrow, and you could potentially cause a few problems, especially if emergency vehicles are needed to access the roads.
Approximate Dovedale Walk Postcode: DE6 2AY
Alternative Dovedale Walk Car Park
For a free car park, you can park in Narlow Lane Car Park in Thorpe and complete your Dovedale walk from there.
The postcode is: DE6 2AT
Please note that this is a rural postcode and you are better following the Google Maps directions here.
If you choose this car parking, you will not be able to follow our directions below. However, you will likely have the benefit of a quieter car park and free parking!
When is the best time to complete the Dovedale Walk?
The best time to complete this walk depends on what you are going for. For example, if you want to see Bluebells come in May, you should visit in July and August if you’re going to take a dip in the River Dove.
However, if you want to visit with no crowds, we believe that the Dovedale walk is excellent for an Autumnal walk.
Top Tips
- This area is bustling and overcrowded. If you do not like the crowds, you should aim to visit during the week, very early or not in school holidays.
- The terrain can be muddy and uneven in places, so wear appropriate footwear. We would recommend hiking boots, so you do not ruin your trainers.
- The stepping stones can sometimes become impassable after heavy rainfall. Luckily the National Trust usually has helpful signs warning you if this is the case. You can check the River Dove levels here if you want to be prepared.
- There is a toilet in the car park. However, it charges 20p, and you will have to pay in coins.
- BBQs, campfires and wild camping are prohibited.
- Take all litter home with you and leave no trace to respect the area’s natural beauty.
- Dogs are welcome, but they must be on leads to protect the wildlife.
- Take a map/digital map with you and do not rely on these directions alone. There is not too little signal in some spots here.
Weather
Check the weather before you go, so you know what to expect. We check both websites to ensure we pack accordingly – layers, suncream, sunglasses.
We almost always carry our waterproofs, though – you never know. The weather can change suddenly.
BBC Weather Ashbourne and Met Office Dovedale
Dovedale Walk Directions
Start point Grid Reference: SK 14640, DE6 2AY
Stage 1 – To the Stepping Stones
From the car park, begin by heading down the tarmac path next to the toilets. If you want to pass over the famous Dovedale stepping stones by crossing the river, you should keep going straight down, and after 1km, you will arrive and be able to cross them (you could also do this on the way back).
However, if you prefer not to cross them, you can turn right over the bridge and walk along the bank next to the River Dove or walk behind the base of Thorpe Cloud by following the path as it curves left around the peak.
The first alternative will be pretty muddy, and we would not recommend it if the river level is high.
Stage 2 – Walk Above the Dale
From the stepping stones, cross through the gap in the wall or go through the metal gate. Continue straight along the obvious path in front of you for 0.7 km.
The water is some of the clearest we have ever seen in the Peaks. From here, go up the stone steps. At the opening, you will see the twelve apostles on your left. This is a viewpoint called Lover’s Leap, a morbid story of when a girl tried to commit suicide.
From here, don’t go down the stones in front of you, but turn right and go up the path through the trees. Continue up the hill on the grassy path. There is a wooden post to point you in the right direction. Keep heading up! It is pretty steep, so take your time.
You’re heading for the path near the drystone wall at the top. From here, turn left and walk along the tops. There is a signpost to help guide you!
Walk along the tops until you reach a wooden gate. Please go through it and turn around to see a view of Thorpe Cloud in the distance! Beautiful!
Keep the stone wall on your right, and then turn right to continue along the path at the end. Again, there is a handy arrow to help you follow the right direction.
The path curves around the valley and continues straight again, with a stone wall on your right. Continue following the way around until it drops down left and curves downhill to walk next to the stone wall once again.
Please go through the wooden gate and continue straight as the path goes slightly uphill and continue along the stony path as it goes through the trees. Finally, go over a stile and continue down the track.
Stage 3 – Walk along with the River Dove
You will eventually come down to the river. You will be turning left to head back. However, if you turn left, there are such impressive caves that you can explore, so it is well worth a detour.
When you’re finished exploring, take a left and continue following the path back around with the river on your right. Go through the wooden gate and continue straight. Don’t go over Ilam Rock bridge but admire Ilam Rock and continue in the direction of the stepping stones.
The path becomes a boardwalk next to the river, which is lovely to walk along, and it is known as ‘The Straits’ and the Tissington Spires. Unfortunately, this area can be prone to flooding.
After, you should continue straight, go through a wooden gate and head uphill. Go up the stony steps (which can be slippery), and then you will arrive back to where you took the right turn uphill earlier.
Stage 4 – Back to Dovedale Car Park
You will now need to follow the path back the way you came. Go down the stone steps and walk with the river on your right. The track can be tricky because the stones are uneven, so watch your step. Turn right and Cross over the bridge. Take a left, and you will arrive back in the car park.
Frequently asked Questions
Can I extend the Dovedale walk?
Yes, there are many options to extend the walk. For example, you can walk to Milldale, Ilam Park, or Bunster Hill.
There is also the option to climb to the top of Thorpe Cloud at the beginning or end of this walk. Please read our guide to Thorpe Cloud here to plan your route.
Is Dovedale walk open?
Yes, it is open. Unfortunately, the car park closes at 7:30 pm, but Dovedale remains open.
Where is Dovedale’s walk?
The Dovedale walk is near Ashbourne, Ilam and Thorpe.
Where to start the Dovedale walk?
You can start the Dovedale walk from many different spots. One of the most accessible places is Dovedale Car Park, and there are toilets here.
How far is Dovedale walk?
The Dovedale walk is 7.7km, but you can easily make it longer or shorter. For example, you could do an out and back hike or add on Thorpe Cloud.
What Peak District walks can I do nearby?
We have many guides to the best Peak District walks. These are some of the best:
Why we love the Dovedale Walk
We love the Dovedale walk and think you will too as takes you through one of the iconic stepping stones that are found in the Peaks and takes you on paths that are shaded along Dovedale’s River Dove as it cuts between the imposing limestone cliffs, and tracks across the grassy hills.
There are beautiful views on the way, and because of that this trail doesn’t feel like it’s a difficult hike and is ideal for everyone. If the sun is shining – don’t forget to take a picnic!
Do you have questions about this walk or others? Let us know in the comments!
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.