7 sights to see during your Dovedale walks

Dovedale is a picturesque, limestone valley situated in Derbyshire along the River Dove in the southerly area of the Peak District National Park. The spot is renowned for its beautiful scenery, peaceful woodlands and busy wildlife making it ideal for pleasant walks and hiking. You can reach Dovedale by car if you take the A515 out of Ashbourne heading towards Buxton and look out for the sign ‘Ilam, Thorpe’ on your left. Cross the bridge with the Walton Hotel in front, turn right and you will find the public car park (which costs around £2.50 for all day parking). Continue reading for our list of must-see sights to help you get the most out of your Dovedale walks.

1. Stepping Stones

A great route for beginners is the Dovedale Circular walk which makes for a good leisurely walk at around 4 miles long on mostly flat terrain. A short walk from the car park, you will find the iconic stepping stones (pictured above) crossing the River Dove. Take a moment to absorb the stunning landscape around you while listening to the water gently splashing over the rocks. Your children will love hopping over each one to get to the other side. This is the best route to take if you want to see most of the famous attractions Dovedale has to offer.

2. Thorpe Cloud

For a short but strenuous walk to the top, the 1 mile route to Thorpe Cloud takes a little over an hour to complete and begins just after the stepping stones. Thorpe Cloud is a unique conical-shaped limestone hill that stands at around 287 metres providing excellent views of the Dovedale valley all around. The walk to the summit is tough but well worth a visit if you don’t mind the climb. On your way, you’re likely to see some beautiful rare wild flowers and great wildlife too.

3. Dove Holes

The Dove Holes are two fascinating limestone caves, formed by thousands of years of water erosion from the river. Evidence has found that the caves were once used as shelter by hunters of the Ice Age. Considered by many to be a natural wonder, the caves are a spectacular sight from the outside, making it difficult to resist going inside for a little exploring! You can reach the Dove holes on the Dovedale Circular walk. To see the rock formations of Tissington Spires, you can begin in nearby Buxton and take an easy walk along the old railway track between Buxton and Ashbourne. This is a 6 mile walk on mostly flat terrain but you can easily join the trail from Dovedale if you’re looking for a quick stroll instead.

4. Viator’s Bridge at Milldale

In the quaint hamlet of Milldale, you will find Viator’s Bridge, a listed ancient monument that has been in use since the medieval period. This enchanting bridge is the entrance to a wonderful and dramatic part of Dovedale. Easily reached from the car park at Dovedale, this 6.5 mile route takes you alongside the beautiful River Dove and across wooden footbridges. Stand on the bridge in order to watch and listen to the river trickle peacefully underneath. This is a real beauty spot and not to be missed! Other attractions in this picturesque village include the idyllic Dove Cottage, Lode Mill and the Mill Wheel.

5. Ilam Rock

Starting from the village of Ilam, this walk is ideal for beginners at just 4.5 miles long and visits a section of Dovedale and Bunster Hill. Ilam rock is a limestone formation created by the fossilisation of millions of tiny sea creatures living in a shallow lagoon some 350 million years ago. Standing at 25 metres high, it is a fierce contrast with the tranquilly of the pretty Dovedale valley. It is a fascinating sight with its craggy shape sculpted by the two ice ages.

6 & 7. Reynard’s Cave and Lion’s Head

Dovedale has some impressive natural features, some of which we have mentioned here already, but Reynard’s Cave and Lion’s Head are two must-sees. Reynard’s Cave is an area behind a large natural arch carved into the rock face most likely by the River Dove’s water erosion. Research has found artefacts that date back to the Bronze Age here! The walk around this area begins easily but can get quite steep, so make sure you’re wearing good footwear! About half a mile from the stepping stones is Lion’s Head, another spectacular limestone formation that is so similar to the big cat it’s hard to believe it’s a natural feature!

All in all, Dovedale is the ideal destination for a walking holiday. With suitable camping facilities all around the Peak District, a family trip here would be a fantastic option suitable for everyone. After visiting these amazing natural sights, check out the Heights of Abraham. Just 30 minutes away from Dovedale, this cable car ride takes you high above the valleys of the Peak District where you’ll get some spectacular views!