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

Hiking trails & Routes

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

Moderate

4.7

(18)

107

hikers

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

03:32

12.4km

260m

Hiking

Moderate hike. 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 a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

88 m

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.
Open Wed to Sun from 11:00 - 22:00. The kitchen is open from 12:00 - 20:00 but closes at 18:00 on a Sunday.

Tip by

1.47 km

Thorpe Cloud — West Path

Highlight (Segment) • Summit

gets very slippy when wet

Tip by

2.58 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 were placed in the middle of the 19th century and were an instant hit with visitors. There are lots of fossils in the stones, too.

Tip by

4.13 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. These days, they are an excellent place to explore and anyone can freely access them.

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4.40 km

Boardwalk Along the River, Peak District National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Much narrower here. Still passable with a pram.

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4.90 km

Ilam Rock

Highlight • Natural

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 valley floor. One such column is Ilam Rock, which rises 82 feet (25 m) high and stands as a solitary pinnacle watching over the river, close to Ilam Rock Bridge. For more, see: letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk/listing/dovedale

Tip by

5.47 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

6.82 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. It's great for a relax after a days hike and a good starting point for exploring Dovedale, Biggin Dale and Wolfcote Dale. There's a free car park not far from the village centre.

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