Alstonefield to Wolfscote Dale and Hartington Walk

This 8 mile circular walk starting in Alstonfield takes you across quiet country lanes and down onto Wolfscote Dale, which is one of our favourite dales in the whole of the Peak District. It then continues onto Hartington, where you can stop for refreshments with many food and drink options in the village.

What to expect

After leaving the village you’ll wander along a few quiet country lanes before crossing fields and descending down onto Wolfscote Dale. This path then follows the river all the way into Hartington, don’t forget to look out for caves on the hillside here and crayfish in the river Dove.

There is a steep section of steps just before reaching Wolfscote Dale, so take your time getting down, the way back on the return is a much steadier incline.

Getting there & parking

DE6 2FY – there are a few car parks in the village and all are quite small but you have choice. They’re all very close to each other.

The route

This is a route in a figure of 8, you’ll cross paths with your earlier self about 6 miles in at the start of Wolfscote Dale, but apart from that, it’s all new, it’s an easy one to follow once you’re in the valley, just follow the river upstream.

Tips & what to bring

Nothing special needed on this one, good footwear, layers and water. We’d always suggest bringing snacks but if not, you should be able to get food in Hartington if you time it right.

Eat & drink nearby

There’s a pub, cafes, tea rooms, farm shops and even an Indian restaurant in the village.

Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves.

BEAR, Ashbourne, Peak District ✦ NewCafe

BEAR in Ashbourne, a modern cafe doing brilliant food and burgers a stone's throw from Dovedale. Our go-to stop before or after…

6.3 miles away 📍 Map View →

Tagg Lane Dairy, Monyash, Peak District ✦ NewFarm shop

Tagg Lane Dairy, home to the best ice cream in the Peak District, possibly the whole UK. A proper farm dairy treat,…

6.4 miles away 📍 Map View →

Cafe 19, Calver, Peak District ✦ NewCafe

Cafe 19 at Calver crossroads, a Peak District cafe with great coffee and frankly amazing cakes. The kind of place you stop…

13.7 miles away 📍 Map View →

The George Hotel, Hathersage ★ Featured

The George at Hathersage, a stunning 500 year old inn with a hidden courtyard and some of the best food in the…

17.2 miles away 📍 Map View →

See all food and drink on the map →

Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner

Make a weekend of it

Pair this walk with somewhere we have stayed and rated nearby.

The George Hotel, Hathersage

Hotel · 17.2 miles away

The George at Hathersage, a stunning 500 year old inn with a hidden courtyard and some of the best food in the Peak District.

Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend around this walk →

The Estate Rooms, Alstonefield Manor ✦ NewSelf-catering

A private wing of a Peak District stone manor, The Estate Rooms sleep two with a king bed, a cosy living space…

On the route 📍 Map View →

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More walks near here

Thor’s Cave & Wetton Caves Circular Walk

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Hartington to Pilsbury Castle Walk

Easy–Moderate 📏 5.5 Miles ⏱ 3 Hours

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Dovedale, Milldale And Hall Dale Riverside Walk

Moderate–Hard 📏 7.5 Miles ⏱ 4 Hours

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POIs nearby

Dove Holes Cave Natural limestone caves formed 350 million years ago 📍 1.5 miles away View on map → Ilam Rock A 25m high limestone rock from 350 million years ago 📍 1.7 miles away View on map → Thor's Cave A 10m high cavern entrance 📍 2 miles away View on map → Wetton Caves Limestone open top cave 📍 2.2 miles away View on map → Dovedale Stepping Stones Stepping stones across the river Dove 📍 2.9 miles away View on map → Tissington Ford A river that crosses the road in Tissington 📍 4.8 miles away View on map →