How to Complete the Thorpe Cloud Walk in 2023
The Thorpe Cloud walk is fun for those who want to experience incredible panoramic views of the Peak District National Park, as you can see north up Dovedale and south across the Midland plain and is very popular with day trippers to the area.
The National Trust has owned it since 1934 as part of the South Peak Estate like much of the dale (including Bunster Hill).
The summit of Thorpe Cloud is in the White Peaks on the southern end of Dovedale. It is a limestone hill that attracts thousands of visitors every year due to its unique shape and proximity to the Dovedale Stepping Stones. Therefore, many visitors extend their walks from the stones up to Thorpe Cloud summit.
The hill is 942ft and is known for being on the border between Staffordshire and Derbyshire and for being in the 2010 Robin Hood film that starred Russell Crowe.
It is also notable as Jeff Kent found that you can see a double sunset over the Thorpe Cloud from the top of Lin Dale. The phenomenon has been captured on film by photographer Chris Doherty.
However, this phenomenon is only evident in clear weather on the solstice in the summer and possibly even later as the sun sets over the top of the hill. It then reappears on its northern slope before setting for another final time.
The walk route to the Thorpe Cloud summit is well marked with blue markers on signposts. It makes the short walk quite accessible for beginners, although there are some steep parts.
However, many signs ask you not to walk on some paths due to falling rocks and erosion – we would recommend following the current route suggested by the National Trust.
The walk is short and sweet, and there are many options to extend if you feel adventurous! If you do not wish to climb Thorpe Cloud but have come only to see the famous stepping stones, please read our guide to the Dovedale Stepping Stones instead! We promise the views of the rolling green hills are worth the climb, though (if you are able to).
Thorpe Cloud Walk Details
Walk Distance: 3.6km / 2.3 miles
Walk Difficulty: Moderate (steep ascent)
Walk Type: Circular walk
Elevation: 287m
Ascent: 156m
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours.
Ordnance Survey: OL24 Peak District – White Peak Area
Grid Reference: SK151510
Crowd Levels: Medium
Thorpe Cloud Walk Map
As always we recommend taking a paper map rather than relying on your phone.
How to get to Thorpe Cloud
Thorpe Cloud is in between the villages of Ilam and Thorpe on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
You can easily reach it from Ashbourne. Public transport would require a lot of extra walking to get to the start of this walk, so it is best accessed by car.
However, there is a community bus service that runs, and you can check the information on their website: Derbyshire Connect and for bus infomation and planning on the Moovit site .
Thorpe Cloud Parking
For Thorpe Cloud parking, you should use Dovedale Car Park. You can follow the Google Maps Directions here.
It is worth noting that the Dovedale car park is only open between 9 am – 7:30 pm in the summer and usually from 9am – 4:30pm in the winter, and then they close the barriers.
It is also essential to bring coins with you because the machines do not accept cards.
The cost to park is either £6 for all-day parking or £4 for up to 4 hours. You will need less than 4 hours if you only plan to visit Thorpe Cloud and the Stepping Stones. However, if you venture into Ilam or to the Dovedale Nature Reserve, you will want to get an all-day ticket.
There is good news for National Trust members, as the parking is free. Just remember to scan your membership card.
There are toilets here, but they cost 20p (bring a coin) as the National Trust does not own them. Other facilities include a kiosk selling snacks, coffee and ice-creams (you can use a card here), and sometimes there is a National Trust van with the information to talk to a friendly guide.
Alternatively, you can park in Ilam Park or Thorpe Village. If it looks overcrowded, we would recommend parking somewhere else or going on a different walk else the walk will be unenjoyable.
Thorpe Cloud Postcode: DE6 2AY
Thorpe Cloud Weather
It is good to check the forecast before you go, so you know what to expect. For example, we like to check Thorpe Cloud’s weather to check Mountain Forecast – Thorpe Cloud because it explains the temperature at the elevation.
For the weather on the ground, you should also check out the Met Office’s forecast too: Met Office – Dovedale
When is the best time to complete the Thorpe Cloud walk?
We recommend visiting either early (9 am) or late in the day (4 pm in summer) for fewer crowds on weekends, as the area can get bustling. Alternatively, you should visit outside of school holidays in the week if possible.
Although it is less busy than the stepping stones, many people decide to venture up when they realise that the stepping stones are a quick walk, and as a result, there can be a lot of people on Thorpe Cloud summit.
Useful Tips
- Wear hiking shoes or sensible shoes – this route can be muddy and slippery at times.
- The temperature will be lower on the tops, which can be pretty windy. Remember to take layers with you and a waterproof jacket.
- Keep dogs on leads at all times due to livestock. There are signs to remind you to pick up after your dogs as you walk.
- Take all your litter home with you if you buy something from the shop or bring your food. You should always leave no trace!
- You can visit The Old Dog Pub in Thorpe for post-walk drinks and food. There are outdoor spots for sunny days, and dogs are welcome (obviously)! Alternatively, you can visit the Izaak Walton Hotel for a quiet drink!
- Remember coins for the car park and a 20p coin for the toilets.
- Take a map and do not rely on these directions alone to complete this walk.
- There is no phone signal in the car park, but some are on top of the hill!
Thorpe Cloud Walking Route Directions in 4 Steps
Step One – To The River Dove
To begin the Thorpe Cloud walk, from the car park, you should turn down the tarmac path on the left-hand side of the toilets. When you reach an opening, instead of continuing straight, you should turn right and cross the wooden bridge over the River Dove.
Step Two – To The Thorpe Cloud Summit
Follow the signs to Thorpe Cloud and continue straight. Follow the blue markers that curve around the hill. Other routes up are closed due to rock falls. However, the blue markers make this route very easy to navigate. You will begin to climb around the peak, going uphill. Please remember to follow the current way up the National Trust recommendations, as this could change!
Continue straight and go past the farm building on your right-hand side and then turn left to begin climbing to the top. Take your time as the path is steep, the terrain is uneven and may require some scrambling. The wind can also be harsh, so don’t rush, be careful and enjoy the fantastic view when you reach the top and walk along the ridge.
Enjoy being at the top of Thorpe Cloud, 287m!
Step Three – To The Dovedale Stepping Stones
There are several paths to go down. But unfortunately, some of them could be closed due to erosion and rockfall risk. So we went up and down the way, we came and then instead of turning back the way you came.
Turn left to keep the hill on your left and walk anti-clockwise around the peak.
Take the left path that follows the blue markers and then curves around the Thorpe cloud. You will have a stone wall on your right, and the blue markers guide you around.
Step Four – To The Car Park
The path can be like a stream in places, but eventually, it will bring you to the Dovedale Stepping stones. You can either cross the stepping stones (if possible) or follow the tarmac path back to the car park.
Please note: if you would like to extend your walk at this point, you can follow our guide to the Dovedale walk here.
Alternatively, you can stay on the same side and walk along the path with the River Dove on your right. Eventually, you will come to the wooden bridge that you went over at the beginning, crossing over. Then, you can retrace your steps and head back to the car park.
Thorpe Cloud walk completed. Well done!
Frequently asked Questions
Is Thorpe Cloud hard to climb?
Thorpe Cloud can be very steep if you are not used to climbing hills and quite windy at the top. We would recommend taking it easy and stopping when you need to on the way to the Thorpe Cloud summit.
You will need shoes with a good grip.
Can you walk up Thorpe Cloud?
Although some of the routes up to Thorpe Cloud are currently closed, you can still walk up the hill on alternative paths.
Is Thorpe Cloud a hill or a mountain?
Thorpe Cloud is a limestone hill and is smaller than a mountain.
Why is Thorpe Cloud called Thorpe Cloud?
Thorpe Cloud is called Thorpe Cloud because Cloud comes from ‘clud’, the Anglo Saxon word for a hill or mass of rock. The word Thorpe means village or farmstead in Norse.
Is the Thorpe Cloud walk wheelchair or pushchair friendly?
Unfortunately, you will not be able to take wheelchairs or pushchairs up Thorpe Cloud because it is quite a steep climb and some scrambling. You can, however, use them on the tarmac path to Dovestone Stepping Stones and return the same way.
What else can I do at Thorpe Cloud?
Thorpe Cloud also has a rifle range that both national and local shooting clubs utilise.
How can I extend the Thorpe Cloud walk?
You can easily extend your hike by completing the Dovedale walk, where you can see the impressive Ilam Rock. There are also many walking routes in the area, including Ilam Park and Bunster Hill.
What is other Peak District walks that I can do?
There are many fantastic Peak District walks, and we have guides to lots of them. These include:
There you have it, our guide to the beautiful Thorpe Cloud walk. If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Have fun!
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.
