🗺️ The route
Free to viewThis 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.
Want a bigger day? Our Dovedale & Hall Dale Circular via Bunster Hill is a 7.5-mile loop that climbs away from the crowds.
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
Yes, at the start of the walk.
On lead only.
Expect riverside path underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 6.2 Miles
- 3-4 Hours
- Easy–Moderate
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.
- Ilam Rock
- Dove Holes Cave
- Dovedale Stepping Stones
Step-by-step
- From the car park, pick up the river path, staying on the left hand side.
- Cross the stepping stones and follow the river for approximately 3 miles.
- You will reach the village of Milldale.
- Head back the same way.
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
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.
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 the stepping stones We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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Always in the pack Ads wearsRevolutionRace Waterproof Jacket
Bright, fully waterproof shell for proper British weather. Ads' go-to in the orange.
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Room for water & snacks Char usesDeuter Speed Lite 23
Lightweight, low-bulk pack for fast, lighter days.
