For your Derbyshire Walks website, I would suggest the title:
Dovedale Circular Walk via Dovedale Wood & Bunster Hill
Discover the famous stepping stones, hidden caves, ancient woodland and spectacular valley views on this rewarding circular walk through one of the Peak District’s most iconic landscapes.
Walk Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 4 miles (6.5 km) |
| Time | 2½ – 3 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Total Ascent | 271 metres |
| Highest Point | 305 metres |
| Terrain | Riverside paths, woodland trails, field paths and some steep climbs |
| Parking | Dovedale Car Park |
| Toilets | Available at the car park |
| Dog Friendly | Yes |
| Suitable For | Walkers with a reasonable level of fitness |
Walk Highlights
- Cross the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones
- Walk through the heart of Dovedale National Nature Reserve
- Visit Reynard’s Cave and Tissington Spires
- Enjoy peaceful woodland walking through Dovedale Wood
- Explore the area around Ilam Rock
- Spectacular views from the slopes above Bunster Hill
- Discover some of Derbyshire’s finest limestone scenery
Introduction
Dovedale is one of the Peak District’s most visited beauty spots, attracting thousands of visitors every year to its famous stepping stones and dramatic limestone valley. While many visitors simply walk to the stepping stones and back, this circular route offers a much richer experience.
Beginning beside the River Dove, the walk explores the length of the valley before crossing the river via a footbridge near Ilam Rock. The route then returns through beautiful woodland before climbing onto higher ground above Bunster Hill, where panoramic views stretch across the Dove Valley and surrounding countryside.
This is an excellent walk for those wanting to experience the very best of Dovedale while escaping some of the crowds found around the stepping stones.
Starting Point
The walk begins from Dovedale Car Park near the Izaak Walton Hotel.
Postcode: DE6 2AY
The car park is extremely popular during weekends, school holidays and throughout the summer months. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Public toilets are available near the car park.
Route Description
Stage 1 – Dovedale Car Park to the Stepping Stones
From the car park, follow the well-used riverside path towards the famous stepping stones.
The River Dove forms the boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire and has carved one of the most beautiful limestone valleys in England.
Within a few minutes the famous stepping stones come into view. These iconic stones have become one of the Peak District’s most photographed landmarks and provide an enjoyable crossing point over the river.
Take care when crossing, particularly after wet weather when the stones may become slippery.
Stage 2 – Stepping Stones to Reynard’s Cave
After crossing the river, turn north and follow the path along the eastern side of the valley.
This section passes beneath impressive limestone cliffs and some of Dovedale’s most famous rock formations. As you continue, the valley narrows and the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic.
Soon you reach the area around Lover’s Leap and Tissington Spires. Towering limestone crags rise above the path, providing excellent opportunities for photography.
Further along the valley lies Reynard’s Cave, one of the Peak District’s most fascinating natural features. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of prehistoric occupation here, making it an important historical site as well as a geological attraction.
Stage 3 – Reynard’s Cave to Ilam Rock
Continue north through the heart of Dovedale National Nature Reserve.
The river twists and turns through the valley below while limestone cliffs and woodland create a constantly changing landscape.
Eventually the route reaches the northern end of the valley near Ilam Rock, an impressive natural limestone outcrop that stands prominently above the River Dove.
Cross the river via the footbridge.
This marks the halfway point of the walk.
Stage 4 – Return Through Dovedale Wood
Having crossed the footbridge, follow the path south through Dovedale Wood.
This is one of the quieter sections of the route and offers a completely different character from the open valley floor. Mature trees provide shade during the summer months and the woodland is particularly attractive during autumn when the leaves turn golden and copper.
Listen for woodland birds and keep an eye out for wildlife amongst the trees.
As the path descends gently through the woodland, occasional openings provide wonderful views back across the valley towards the cliffs visited earlier.
Stage 5 – Climb Above Bunster Hill
Near Air Cottage, leave the valley floor and begin climbing westwards onto higher ground.
This is the most strenuous section of the walk and accounts for much of the route’s total ascent.
The effort is rewarded with increasingly impressive views across Dovedale, Thorpe Cloud and the surrounding Peak District countryside.
As you gain height, the crowds below disappear and the landscape feels wonderfully peaceful. The elevated section above Bunster Hill offers some of the finest viewpoints on the entire route.
On a clear day, the rolling White Peak landscape stretches into the distance.
Stage 6 – Return to Dovedale Car Park
The route now follows field paths and tracks southwards before beginning a steady descent towards the valley.
The distinctive buildings of the Izaak Walton Hotel gradually come into view below.
Continue downhill towards the car park, where the walk concludes.
Points of Interest
The Stepping Stones
Without doubt Dovedale’s most famous attraction, the stepping stones have become an iconic Peak District landmark and attract visitors from across the country.
Reynard’s Cave
This natural limestone cave sits high above the valley and has yielded archaeological finds dating back thousands of years.
Dovedale Wood
Ancient woodland rich in wildlife and particularly beautiful during spring and autumn.
Ilam Rock
A striking limestone outcrop that marks the northern extent of this route.
Bunster Hill
The elevated western slopes provide some of the finest panoramic views across Dovedale.
Wildlife
The River Dove and surrounding woodland support a variety of wildlife including:
- Dippers
- Grey wagtails
- Herons
- Kingfishers
- Buzzards
- Rabbits
- Deer
Spring and early summer are particularly rewarding seasons for wildlife watching.
Facilities
Available at or near the start of the walk:
- Pay and display parking
- Public toilets
- Refreshments nearby
- Picnic areas
- Information boards
The nearby Izaak Walton Hotel offers food and drink, while the village of Ilam provides additional facilities.
Walking Tips
- Wear sturdy walking boots, particularly after wet weather.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Arrive early to secure parking.
- Take extra care on the stepping stones.
- Allow time to enjoy the viewpoints above Bunster Hill.
- A camera is highly recommended.
Best Time to Visit
Spring
Wildflowers appear throughout Dovedale Wood and birdsong fills the valley.
Summer
Warm weather and lush greenery make this a popular time to visit.
Autumn
Arguably the most beautiful season, with spectacular woodland colours.
Winter
Quieter paths and dramatic limestone scenery create a very different atmosphere.
Route Summary
Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
Walking Time: 2½ – 3 hours
Total Ascent: 271 metres
Difficulty: Moderate
Start Point: Dovedale Car Park
Highlights: Stepping Stones, Reynard’s Cave, Ilam Rock, Dovedale Wood and Bunster Hill viewpoints
Suitable For: Walkers with a reasonable level of fitness
This walk combines all the classic highlights of Dovedale with quieter woodland paths and superb elevated views, making it one of the most rewarding short circular walks in the Peak District.
