‘Dovedale Delights’ is a full day guided walk in beautiful hills and a deep limestone gorge of the White Peak area. Dovedale is perhaps the best known of the Peak District’s limestone dales and has been a favourite holiday destination for decades. Our walk explores some of the quieter paths and trails in the hills away from the main tourist route in the bottom of the valley but still includes a crossing of the famous Dovedale stepping stones.
From the tiny hamlet of Milldale, you will walk up a steep path to enter Hall Dale which meanders its way down into Dovedale. You will be fascinated by the geology of this area as you marvel at the towering crags above you, often just visible through the trees on both sides of the valley. Very soon, your guide will take you up another steep path up the valley side, and onto Bunster Hill. There are wonderful views from here over the pretty village of Ilam with its grand hall set in traditional English parkland. You will then walk down over fields to the southern end of Dovedale where you will have the option of an ascent of Thorpe Cloud – the distinctive peaked hill which overlooks the valley, or a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Dove. After everyone has had the opportunity to cross the Dovedale Stepping Stones, your return to Milldale will be on paths and tracks up the hillside on the East side of Dovedale, then in the valley bottom passing the amazing Dove Holes caves.
Throughout the walk, your guide will ‘bring the countryside to life by sharing with you a wealth of local knowledge.
This walk is about 9 miles/15km with about 700 metres of ascent spread out throughout the day.
You can hire your own personal walking guide from Peak Walking Adventures to take you on this walk, or you can book to join a small group on a few dates throughout the year.
