Dove Holes Caves – Dovedale's stepping stones loop from Ilam

Running trails & routes

Staffordshire Moorlands

Ilam

Dove Holes Caves – Dovedale's stepping stones loop from Ilam

Hard

runners

Dove Holes Caves – Dovedale's stepping stones loop from Ilam

02:22

18.6km

690m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

563 m

Ilam Park Tea Room

Highlight • Rest Area

The National Trust tearoom at Ilam Park has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Stop and grab a scone, coffee, ice cream or a light meal and then continue with …

Tip by

7.58 km

Dovedale Wood

Highlight • Natural

Dovedale Wood is picturesque woodland that rises steeply from the River Dove. It’s a tough climb through the trees but the rewards are worth it. Rocks and screes which are …

Tip by

8.58 km

Hall Dale

Highlight • Gorge

Hall Dale is a steep and narrow dry valley that runs from the hamlet of Stanshope into Dovedale. The top is characterised by steep grassy banks that become a riot …

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10.6 km

Milldale

Highlight • Settlement

Milldale is a secluded village in an attractive location. Lots of visitors come up from Dovedale though. There's a small local shop that sells sandwiches, ice creams and hot drinks. …

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10.7 km

Polly's Cottage Café

Highlight • Cafe

Great place to stop, grab a brew or some food/ice cream and sit by the river. Wonderful owner.

Tip by

11.9 km

Baley Hill

Peak

13.0 km

Dove Holes are a series of three impressive caves beside the River Dove. They were formed around 350 million years ago by glacial meltwater. It’s great fun climbing up into the caves but take care as the rocks are slippery.

Tip by

15.8 km

Lover’s Leap, Dovedale

Highlight • Viewpoint

The only ascent/descent on the Dovedale trail up to Milldale.

Tip by

16.6 km

Dovedale's stepping stones

Highlight • River

The Stepping Stones make for a quirky crossing of the River Dove. In the middle of the stones, be sure to look around and admire the stunning scenery. The stones …

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18.6 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

11.0 km

3.69 km

2.47 km

1.10 km

339 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

7.33 km

5.32 km

2.62 km

2.44 km

632 m

238 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (320 m)

Lowest point (140 m)

Weather

Wednesday 21 October

11°C

4°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

January 19, 2025,Dovedale Big Daddy recce

Mean day out on a recce for the Dovedale Big Daddy in a couple of weeks!

Absolutely brutal hills... And we missed a couple out! It's definitely going to be more of a speed hike than run! 😂😂