🗺️ The route
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Join free to downloadThis pretty riverside walk from Dovedale to Milldale has to be one of the best walks in the the Peak District. With dramatic limestone cliffs, stepping stones and a good path to walk along its easy to see why this one gets so popular.
What to expect
This is a relatively flat and super easy to follow route, just walk alongside the river until reaching Milldale and then walk back the same way you come. Crossing the stepping stones can be tricky after heavy rainfall as they can become slippery, they do also sometimes flood and become in-passable. In busier times queues to cross them can be long, so timing your visit here is essential.
There are often sheep and sometimes cows grazing along this stretch of the river Dove so dogs need to be kept on leads at all times.
Getting there & parking
Parking – Dovedale National Nature Reserve Car Park – DE6 2AY. This is a national trust car park and although there is quite a lot of parking here, it is a very busy spot, so on busier days the local farmer may open his field for additional parking. You’ll need cash for this one but its much cheaper than the National Trust car park for non members, £3 all day rather than £8.
Good to know
You'll find national Trust parking at the start of the walk. Postcode for sat nav: DE6 2AY.
Yes, at the start of the walk.
On lead only.
Expect riverside path underfoot.
The route
This is a super easy out and back route. You’ll follow the river Dove upstream, before crossing the famous stepping stones and continuing along the riverside. This walk takes you through the beautiful limestone valley on a good path before reaching a wooden boardwalk section which feels just out of a movie. This section can get slippery. Milldale is a small Peak District village on the Derbyshire, Staffordshire border.
Tips & what to bring
Remember to bring cash for the overfill car park. This is one of the most popular spots in the Peak District so timing your visit is essential if you want a quieter day out.
Eat & drink nearby
There’s a refreshment van in the car park and also Polly’s cottage in Milldale for your half way snacks.
Places to stay nearby
More walks near here
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POIs nearby
Dovedale Stepping Stones
Stepping stones across the river Dove 📍 0.4 miles away View on map →
Ilam Rock
A 25m high limestone rock from 350 million years ago 📍 1.4 miles away View on map →
Dove Holes Cave
Natural limestone caves formed 350 million years ago 📍 1.7 miles away View on map →
Tissington Ford
A river that crosses the road in Tissington 📍 3.4 miles away View on map →
Thor's Cave
A 10m high cavern entrance 📍 3.9 miles away View on map →
Wetton Caves
Limestone open top cave 📍 4.5 miles away View on map →