Dovedale

Dovedale is one of the most striking of the Peak District National Park dales, packed with interesting rock formations set within a deep wooded gorge where dippers and ducks bob about on the crystal clear waters of the famous River Dove and the banks are festooned in spring with a wonderful array of wild flowers.

The River Dove forms the county boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire and with the aid of the famous stepping stones at the entrance to Dovedale it is possible to hop backwards and forwards over the border.

Dovedale is only a fifteen minute drive from Ashbourne with parking for many cars either at the stepping stones car park or at nearby Ilam Country Park, both having toilet facilites. To find these you drive to the quaint little hilltop village of Thorpe which is a short drive from the A515 leading from Ashbourne to Buxton. Drive through the village and then descend into the most wonderful dramatic scenery imaginable with the conical shaped hill of Thorpe Cloud to your right and a rolling landscape of breathtaking beauty before you.

Thorpe Cloud is a reef knoll of limestone formed millions of years ago. It reaches a height of some 942 feet and together with Bunster Hill at its side, these stand guard over the stepping stones and entrance to Dovedale.

Many of the rock formations in Dovedale have names including The Twelve Apostles, Lovers Leap, Reynard’s Cave, Tissington Spires, Dove Holes and the amazing Ilam Rock which appears like a giant spear rising up from the river bank.

Reynard’s Cave in Dovedale was formed by the action of water dissolving the cavern until the roof fell in leaving an incredible natural archway which is 40 feet by 18 feet. Behind it is Reynard’s Kitchen Cave.

It is thought the name Dove is derived from an old Celtic word “dur” meaning water. Certainly Dovedale has featured in many historical references. In the 17th century it was the setting for The Compleat Angler, a famous book written by Izaak Walton with the help of his friend and fishing companion Charles Cotton.

At a couple of places in Dovedale the gorge is so narrow that the path follows wooden planking to avoid walking in the river. All around you are rock faces dripping with ferns and damp-loving foliage. Close to Lion Head Rock there is a plaque to F A Holmes JP of Buxton for his help in acquiring Dovedale for the National Trust. 

There is a wonderful linear walk of approximately 3 miles from the stepping stones to the quaint little hamlet of Milldale where Polly’s Pantry teashop takeaway provides light refreshments and a very good cup of tea (subject to seasonal opening hours). There is a small car park at Milldale and public toilets.

Alternatively a strenuous walk up Bunster Hill to Air Cottage will provide you with far reaching panoramic views followed by a long woodland descent on a waymarked path into the heart of Dovedale, arriving at the side of Ilam Rock where a wooden footbridge takes you across the river.