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Home> Walks> England> Staffordshire> Dovedale and Hall Dale

Dovedale and Hall Dale

Recommended by
Our view
"A lovely walk along the river Dove then over hilly fields near Stanshope."
Walk directions
Take the dead-end lane up the west bank of the River Dove. Cross the stepping stones then turn left along the wide footpath which wanders through the pretty wooded dale between steep-sided limestone crags.
The path climbs some steps up to Lovers’ Leap, then descends past Tissington Spires and Reynard’s Cave. The dale narrows over boardwalk and past a cave, before rising slightly over a short, polished limestone section.
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Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Good paths, lanes, fields, polished limestone, one rough rocky eroded section, some stiles including tall stile on alternative route
  Landscape  - Partially wooded dales and high pastures, caves
  Dog friendliness  - Dogs should be kept on lead
  Parking  - Dovedale pay car park, between Ilam and Thorpe
  Toilets en route  - At car park (small charge), Milldale
Walks in Staffordshire Dog-friendly walks in Staffordshire
About the walk
There’s drama from the start as you follow the River Dove, travelling through a narrow gorge between Bunster Hill and the towering Thorpe Cloud. There are stepping stones to cross, then a limestone path climbs to a bold rocky outcrop above the river. Lovers’ Leap has a fine view across the dale to...
Read more
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About the area
Staffordshire features lofty moors, deep dales and tremendous views of both. Further south are the six sprawling towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, which historically have had such an impact on Staffordshire’s fortunes, not to mention its culture and countryside.
Explore Staffordshire
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Guest Accommodation
The Peveril of the Peak
★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Picturesque retreat in the Peak District countryside...."
Self-Catering
Beechenhill Cottage
 Quality Assessed
awardaward
"..."
Self-Catering
The Cottage by the Pond
 Quality Assessed
awardaward
"..."
Nearby places to stay
The Peveril of the Peak
The Peveril of the Peak, named after Sir Walter Scott’s longest novel, lies below the cone-shaped Thorpe Cloud hill. In extensive grounds, it is situated near the cave-like Dove Holes a...
★★★    Rating
Beechenhill Cottage
Awaiting description...
Quality Assessed
The Cottage by the Pond
Awaiting description...
Quality Assessed
The Old Washhouse
Awaiting description...
Quality Assessed
Beechenhill Farm
Beechenhill Farm is a family-run organic dairy farm at the heart of the Peak District, beside the spectacular Dovedale Gorge and above the pretty village of Ilam. There are three beauti...
Quality Assessed
Latham Hall
The farm stands a few hundred yards from the main Leek to Ashbourne road, and the land surrounding the house is occupied by the family’s sheep and lambs, which make a lovely sight in th...
★★★★    Rating
Latham Hall
The farm stands a few hundred yards from the main Leek to Ashbourne road, and the land surrounding the house is occupied by the family’s sheep and lambs, which make a lovely sight in th...
★★★★    Rating
Church Farm Cottage
...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Garden Room
   AA Rosette Award
Machine Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Duncombe Arms
   AA Rosette Award
The Duncombe Arms
Places to eat nearby
The Garden Room
   AA Rosette Award
Machine Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Duncombe Arms
   AA Rosette Award
The Duncombe Arms
Biggin Hall Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Biggin Hall
The Black Lion Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Crown Inn
View all
Route details
3hrs 30min
Dog-friendly
Difficulty:
Medium

Gradient:
Moderate


Distance:
5.4 miles (8.7kms)

Ascent:
1050ft (320m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
Discover more walks in Staffordshire
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Dovedale and Hall Dale

Recommended by
Our view
"A lovely walk along the river Dove then over hilly fields near Stanshope."
Walk details
3hrs 30min
Dog friendly
Difficulty:
Medium
Gradient:
Moderate
Distance:
5.4 miles (8.7kms)
Ascent:
1050ft (320m)
Walk directions
Take the dead-end lane up the west bank of the River Dove. Cross the stepping stones then turn left along the wide footpath which wanders through the pretty wooded dale between steep-sided limestone crags.
1 of 8
The path climbs some steps up to Lovers’ Leap, then descends past Tissington Spires and Reynard’s Cave. The dale narrows over boardwalk and past a cave, before rising slightly over a short, polished limestone section.
2 of 8
The dale widens again. Leave the main track for a path to Stanshope, crossing the Ilam Rock footbridge and following a narrow woodland path on the far bank. Ignore a path junction (‘Ilam, steep ascent’) after 200yds (183m). Cross a stile then bend left into Hall Dale, following the dry valley bottom up out of the woods into a rugged limestone-cragged gorge.
3 of 8
As the gorge becomes shallower, you enter pastureland with the attractive village of Stanshope now on the skyline. Ignore a path to the left by a stile then take the next path left (at Point B). Cross one field heading due south then follow a wall as it bends to the right in the next. At a shady tree, at the start of the next field, veer diagonally left and uphill. Go straight ahead in the next field for 50yds (46m) then diagonally right across a third to a country lane.
4 of 8
Turn left to walk along the lovely quiet lane (Ilam-Moor Lane), enjoying magnificent views across the Manifold Valley down to the right and towards Bunster Hill ahead.
5 of 8
After roughly 800yds (732m) and immediately before a farm drive entrance (Ilamtops Farm) cross a stile. Head across the drive to a second stile, then veer gently right from the drive and fractionally downhill over grassy pasture to the top of Moor Plantation woodlands. Cross a stile into access land and continue descending across the next field.
6 of 8
The main route (too experienced walkers only) contours across the hillside over a challenging section and through a notch in the hillside before descending steeply to the edge of access land above pasture. Head left and follow the wall line, eventually emerging onto the Dovedale Lane opposite the gauging station. Turn right to return to the car park.
7 of 8
The alternative route: One field beyond the end of Moor Plantation woods, fork right and down into a shallow grassy valley. Cross a tall stile on to a farm track, then turn left at a junction by a house. The track runs above a lane, skirting beneath Bunster Hill. Head uphill along the edge of access land, bending right with the line of the wall to the Dovedale Lane and car park.
8 of 8
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Good paths, lanes, fields, polished limestone, one rough rocky eroded section, some stiles including tall stile on alternative route
  Landscape - Partially wooded dales and high pastures, caves
  Dog friendliness - Dogs should be kept on lead
  Parking - Dovedale pay car park, between Ilam and Thorpe
  Toilets en route - At car park (small charge), Milldale
Walks in Staffordshire Dog-friendly walks in Staffordshire
About the walk
There’s drama from the start as you follow the River Dove, travelling through a narrow gorge between Bunster Hill and the towering Thorpe Cloud. There are stepping stones to cross, then a limestone path climbs to a bold rocky outcrop above the river. Lovers’ Leap has a fine view across the dale to...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Staffordshire
Staffordshire features lofty moors, deep dales and tremendous views of both. Further south are the six sprawling towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, which historically have had such an impact on Staffordshire’s fortunes, not to mention its culture and countryside.
Explore Staffordshire

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Guest Accommodation
The Peveril of the Peak
★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Picturesque retreat in the Peak District countryside...."
Self-Catering
Beechenhill Farm
 Quality Assessed
awardaward
"Enjoying excellent views of the surrounding countryside..."
  • Total units: 3
Self-Catering
Beechenhill Cottage
 Quality Assessed
awardaward
"..."
Nearby places to stay
The Peveril of the Peak
The Peveril of the Peak, named after Sir Walter Scott’s longest novel, lies below the cone-shaped Thorpe Cloud hill. In extensive grounds, it is situated near the cave-like Dove Holes a...
★★★    Rating
Beechenhill Farm
Beechenhill Farm is a family-run organic dairy farm at the heart of the Peak District, beside the spectacular Dovedale Gorge and above the pretty village of Ilam. There are three beauti...
Quality Assessed
Beechenhill Cottage
Awaiting description...
Quality Assessed
The Cottage by the Pond
Awaiting description...
Quality Assessed
The Old Washhouse
Awaiting description...
Quality Assessed
Latham Hall
The farm stands a few hundred yards from the main Leek to Ashbourne road, and the land surrounding the house is occupied by the family’s sheep and lambs, which make a lovely sight in th...
★★★★    Rating
Latham Hall
The farm stands a few hundred yards from the main Leek to Ashbourne road, and the land surrounding the house is occupied by the family’s sheep and lambs, which make a lovely sight in th...
★★★★    Rating
Ancestral Barn
...
★★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Garden Room
   AA Rosette Award
Machine Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Duncombe Arms
   AA Rosette Award
The Duncombe Arms
Places to eat nearby
The Garden Room
   AA Rosette Award
Machine Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Duncombe Arms
   AA Rosette Award
The Duncombe Arms
Biggin Hall Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Biggin Hall
The Black Lion Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Crown Inn
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby