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

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

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

Hard

hikers

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

06:00

21.6km

370m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.34 km

View of Mapleton from the River Dove

Highlight • River

Mapleton is a pretty Derbyshire village just south of the Peak District National Park. It's close to the River Dove and makes a nice loop from Ashbourne if you walk …

Tip by

7.09 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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8.64 km

Reynard’s Cave and Natural Arch

Highlight • Cave

Reynard’s Cave is located high up on the bank of Dovedale. The caves, formed by the erosion of limestone, were used as a shelter by hunters from around 13,000 BCE. …

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8.91 km

Boardwalk Along the River, Peak District National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Much narrower here. Still passable with a pram.

Tip by

9.41 km

Dovedale is renowned for its beautiful rock formations, created by water, ice and wind erosion over the millennia. Some of the exposed limestone has formed magnificent structures, towering above the …

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9.98 km

Dove Holes Caves

Highlight • Historical Site

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

11.3 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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17.0 km

The Old Dog

Highlight • Restaurant

The Old Dog offers unfussy food and drinks in a relaxing atmosphere. It's a family run pub with great walks from the door. They are dog and muddy walker friendly. …

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21.6 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.3 km

3.21 km

2.68 km

1.43 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

8.18 km

6.52 km

3.04 km

2.11 km

1.00 km

733 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (350 m)

Lowest point (120 m)

Weather

Saturday 5 September

24°C

12°C

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Comments

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

View of Mapleton from the River Dove

Dovedale's stepping stones

Reynard’s Cave and Natural Arch

Boardwalk Along the River, Peak District National Park

Ilam Rock

Dove Holes Caves

Milldale

The Old Dog

Nearby routes

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