Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Staffordshire Moorlands

Ilam

Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Staffordshire Moorlands

Ilam

Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

Moderate

4.6

(293)

1,144

hikers

Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

03:41

12.9km

280m

Hiking

Embark on a moderate 8.0-mile (12.9 km) hike through the famously pretty Dovedale valley, a journey that typically takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete. You will gain about 929 feet (283 metres) in elevation as you follow the River Dove, encountering dramatic limestone cliffs and unique rock…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.75 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 …

Tip by

4.33 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. …

Tip by

5.67 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

7.03 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. …

Tip by

12.7 km

Ilam Hall

Highlight • Historical Site

Ilam Hall stands at the centre of the Ilam Park Estate. Built in the 16th century the hall was owned by the Port family for over 200 years. It was …

Tip by

12.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.82 km

1.73 km

624 m

352 m

330 m

Surfaces

3.31 km

3.14 km

2.95 km

2.58 km

518 m

357 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (300 m)

Lowest point (140 m)

Weather

Wednesday 15 July

26°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

November 6, 2023,Dovedale loop from Ilam to Milldale

Waded across where the Dovedale stones were.. came up to my waist much to the delight of a few people who daren't cross it and just took footage of me lol

September 14, 2024,Dovedale loop from Izack Walton Hotel

Very steep climbs in places.
Some rock scambling up to Reynards cave.
Some difficult terrain under foot.
Would not recommend in or after wet weather.
Amazing views! Well worth all the up!

September 13, 2025,Dovedale loop again

Lovely area as always and very slippery - could have done with our poles today in places :)

Want to know more?

This route was planned by komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Nearby routes

Moderate

4.8

1,994

Monsal Head & Deep Dale loop from Ashford in the Water

02:43h

9.50km

220m

Moderate

4.8

2,563

Frogatt, Curbar and White Edge Red Deer Circular Walk

02:32h

9.24km

150m

Hard

4.8

2,151

The Roaches to Lud's Church — Peak District National Park

03:24h

11.3km

330m

Moderate

4.7

2,147

The Roaches & Lud's Church loop

03:39h

12.6km

310m

Moderate

4.6

1,144

Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

03:41h

12.9km

280m

Moderate

4.7

1,512

Aldery Cliff to Hollins Hill loop — Peak District National Park

04:03h

13.3km

460m

Moderate

4.7

1,196

Dragon's Back loop from Longnor — Peak District National Park

04:23h

14.5km

450m

Moderate

4.6

983

Dove Dale, Mill Dale & Hall Dale loop

03:26h

11.5km

330m

Moderate

4.8

2,311

Carsington Water circular

03:16h

12.4km

110m

Moderate

4.8

2,290

Carsington Water Loop

03:14h

12.2km

120m

Moderate

4.7

1,295

Bakewell & Hassop on the Monsal Trail loop — Peak District National Park

01:37h

5.95km

80m

Moderate

4.7

1,060

Bakewell and Monsal Trail Loop

01:28h

5.40km

80m

Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

Dovedale's stepping stones

Reynard’s Cave and Natural Arch

Dove Holes Caves

Milldale

Ilam Hall

Nearby routes

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️