Dovedale is one of those iconic places in Derbyshire which everyone knows about, but finding a circular route can be a little tricky. You have a few choices on this walk to either walk down to the stepping stones, have a paddle, head up to Thorpe Cloud for the views or just picnic by the river.
However, on an extremely wet September day we decided to venture a little further and enjoy a circular walk we had done once before. It is challenging though so best to be enjoyed on a dry day as the rocks are very slippery in parts. Also, the ascent is tough but there are a few tree stumps on the way up, should you need to rest your little legs.
Along the way, we pass the stunning River Dove which is always teeming in wildlife. We pass by Thorpe Cloud (summit 287m) on your right, which you can always head up to before you start the walk if you want a really long hike. Thorpe Cloud and Dovedale were used as filming locations for Robin Hood (2010) with Russell Crowe.
Dovedale is well known for its many limestone rock formations. On this walk you will pass Lover’s Leap where a young woman who believed her lover had been killed in the Napoleonic War, threw herself from the hill. Her skirt got caught in the branches of a tree as she fell which saved her life. When she returned home, she heard that her lover was alive.
When you reach Ilam Rock, you can then turn around to see a formation called the Twelve Apostles.
Details
Parking: National Trust car park at Dovedale (£4 for 4 hours or £7 all day unless you are a NT member then it is free).
Pubs: The Old Dog at Thorpe or a number to choose from just a short 5 minute drive away in Ashbourne.
Distance: 7.85km 4.9 Miles
Time: Approx 2.5 Hours
Terrain: Quite tough, one big climb including steps. A few rocky scrambles. When wet many areas can be quite slippery. Walking boots are a must!
THE ROUTE
Head with the river on your right – you have a choice of straight ahead for the easy route to the stepping stones or cross the bridge on your right, then stick to the river to you left for a slightly more tricky (but more interesting) route to the stepping stones.
If you went left of the river, you’ll need to cross the stepping stones when you get to them. If you went to the right you’ll already be on the right side to go through the gate and carry along with the river on your left.
Follow the walk all the way along. You may spot Dippers and Kingfishers if you are lucky. Along the way you may also spot fossils in the limestone rocks on the path.
You will eventually come to a bridge with a huge rock (Ilam Rock) to your left – cross the bridge and you will see a cave in front of you – bring a torch as this is well worth a look inside. However it’s usually flooded, so you may need wellies. We want to follow the public footpath to the right, then to Ilam via the steep ascent. And boy – is it a steep ascent! You will need good walking shoes.
When you get to the top of the hill and it may make your ears pop– follow the sign left to Ilam.
Follow the path through the trees, occasionally taking in the view on the left of the valley that appears between the gaps in the trees.
You’ll eventually come to a gate, which you head through and turn left, follow along the steep grass (children will love sliding down here!) and you’ll eventually see a well worn little path in front of you amongst all the rabbits.
When you get to the top, be careful, admire the view but the rocks are a little slippery. You will see a post on your left hand side. You can use either path here and you will come to a yellow footpath arrow signpost.
When you come to the trees, you will notice that the path stops, so head right between two bushes up towards the top of the hill and then you will see a couple of yellow footpath signposts pointing to the right. Head up this hill towards the farm house.
You will come to a wooden gate next to a barn – go through it and head left. There are farm eggs for sale here so bring some cash and a bag.
Here you will see a random gorilla and a giraffe to your right– I kid you not!
There is sometimes livestock in this field so be mindful. When you come to a gate head left, keeping the stone wall on your right as you walk up a track lined with trees. Carry on up the farm track where you will see a signpost on your right hand side ‘Bunster Hill’. Carry on up towards Bunster Hill.
You have a choice here, there is a very steep path to the left or you can go straight to the bottom of the field to the stone wall. Head through the gate and down the field.
When you come to the bottom where you can see the road and a farmhouse on your right – we are following the footpaths left all the way through the fields to eventually hit the car park.
There is a choice at one point to not go through the livestock field.
Gratefully back at the car park, the little kiosk was open so we were able to enjoy a well earned cup of tea and sausage roll!
