Walk Dovedale – Peak District, England

A popular walk to discover Dovedale and the famous stepping stones appearing in Robin Hood movie.

Dovedale walk Information:

  • Distance: 11km
  • Duration: 3h
  • Ascent: 285m
  • Level: Easy
  • Car park: In Ilam village (free of charge) or in Dovedale car park (fees apply). 
  • Dog friendly: Yes, however dogs have to be on lead when crossing field with livestock.

Dovedale, located in the Peak District National Park, is a natural reserve managed by the National Trust. This portion of the Dove Valley long of 5km is full of caves, limestone rock formations and small hills such as Thorpe Cloud. Dovedale is very touristy and sees annually about 1 million visitors. This is due to the famous Stepping Stones that cross the river and that were so often represented in films like Robin Hood in 2010 with Russel Crowe. 

This year in February, we decided to go to do this hike with Matthieu’s parents. The hike is not too popular just the part along the river is quite busy but otherwise we were practically alone all the way. In addition, this hike is easy to achieve but may be very muddy on some parts especially in winter.

Here are the steps to realise this hike:

  • From the road take the path that goes through the fields towards Dovedale parking. At the car park follow the direction of Dovedale Stepping Stones. Cross the bridge and walk along the right side of the river;
  • Pass the Stepping Stones and continue straight until you reach another bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the path until you reach a path on the left which goes towards Hall Dale and the village of Stanhope. Continue straight to the village;
  • At the village, turn left, then continue down to the village of Ilam and to the car.

Do you know this place in the Peak District? Do you recognise the Stepping Stones from the Robin Hood movie?

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Stepping Stones
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Find all our adventures in the Peak District National Park on this page. To discover Cumbria it is here.

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