🗺️ The route
Free to viewIf you’re looking for a walk to take in the Dovedale stepping stones but are wanting to make it a bigger day, then you’ll want to consider this circular route taking in Milldale, Hall Dale and Bunster Hill.
Prefer something flatter? Our Dovedale Stepping Stones to Milldale Walk is an easy 6.2-mile riverside out-and-back.
What to expect
The riverside path is good but it does get busy, especially around the stepping stones, so if you prefer a quieter walk then try to get here early or late on to avoid the crowds. there are some really steep sections on this route, which is why we’ve labelled it as moderate-hard.
The stepping stones can flood and depending on how high the river comes it can make them impassable. There is a bridge to cross the river towards the car park but sometimes floodwater can completely cover the path the other side too.
Getting there & parking
Dovedale National Trust car park – DE6 2AY. There is sometimes alternate parking in a farmers field just above here and there’s more parking at Ilam Hall.
Good to know
Yes, at the start of the walk.
On lead only.
Expect riverside and field paths underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 7.5 Miles
- 4 Hours
- Moderate–Hard
This is a circular route, starting easy on the riverside sections and then taking you into the hills and away from the crowds. On reaching Milldale you’ll head left up the road and another left to take you through trees and across fields. The footpath will bring you back down Hall Dale at the top and then up a steep incline near Ilam rock towards Bunster Hill before heading back towards Dovedale.
- Dovedale Stepping Stones
- Ilam Rock
- Dove Holes Cave
Step-by-step
- From the car park, follow the river dove upstream, staying to the left of it.
- Cross the stepping stones and head left and upstream again, you'll now be on the right side of the river.
- Follow this riverside path for about 3 miles.
- It will take you up steps, through gates, past Ilam Rock and Dove Holes cave before reaching Milldale.
- Cross over the bridge at Milldale and turn left to go up the road.
- You'll pass a few houses and then a stone cottage thatstands on its own before seeing a footpath on your left, take this.
- Follow this up, through the trees and across fields.
- You'll pass through stone walls before reaching a country lane where you'll turn right for a short while before taking the next footpath on your left.
- This will bring you back down into the valley on the other side.
- Follow the path straight down through Hall Dale.
- Turn right once you reach the river and then take the next footpath on your right, signposted steep incline.
- At the top you'll turn left and follow it through the woods until you reach a farm.
- You'll go through the end of this farm yard and join a country lane and head towards a tree lined wall, you'll head left to follow this towards Bunster Hill.
- Once through the wall at Bunster Hill, follow the wall down.
- You'll cross into another field for a short while until getting to the bottom of Bunster hill.
- Follow the base of the hill round to the left and back across fields towards Dovedale car park.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
Tips & what to bring
Good footwear for steep and loose sections, the paths can also get muddy and very wet in winter. Remember to take plenty of water and snacks with you as there’s not a lot on route.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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For muddy paths Char wearsLowa Renegade GTX (Women's)
A classic supportive waterproof walking boot for longer days.
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When the weather turns Ads wearsRevolutionRace Waterproof Jacket
Bright, fully waterproof shell for proper British weather. Ads' go-to in the orange.
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Room for a full day's food Char usesOsprey Skarab 30L
A comfortable day pack with a hydration sleeve for full days out.
