Dovedale Stepping Stones, Peak District

What it is and why it matters

Dovedale is a limestone gorge more than three miles long, owned by the National Trust. The stepping stones are man-made and thought to date from the Victorian era, and they sit beneath Thorpe Cloud, a 287-metre hill. Further up the valley are Lover's Leap, whose steps are said to have been built by Italian prisoners of war in the Second World War, Reynard's Cave, where ancient finds have been made, and the limestone pinnacles of Ilam Rock and the Twelve Apostles.

Visiting practicalities

Start from the National Trust car park on Thorpe Road (DE6 2AY); National Trust members park free and there are paid toilets. The stones are under ten minutes' walk away. Lover's Leap is about 1.5 km, Reynard's Cave about 2.2 km and Ilam Rock about 2.9 km from the car park, and the full walk is around 6 miles taking two to three hours. After heavy rain the river can cover the stones and flood the path, so check the water level and the Environment Agency flood data for Dovedale first; if the stones are under water, use the footbridge instead.

Nearby and combining your visit

Thorpe Cloud is a short, steep climb from the stones with wide views over the dale, about 30 minutes from the car park. Ilam village, with Ilam Park and the Victorian Ilam Hall, now a youth hostel, is close by for a longer circular walk.

Highlights

• Victorian-era stepping stones across the River Dove
• Under 10 minutes' walk from the car park
• Thorpe Cloud, a 287 m hill, rises beside the stones
• Ilam Rock, Lover's Leap and Reynard's Cave further up the dale

Good to know

• The car park is National Trust; members park free.
• Toilets at the car park are coin-operated.
• Heavy rain can cover the stones; use the footbridge if they are under water.

Frequently asked questions