Dovedale to Milldale is a popular out‑and‑back walk that ranked number 26 on ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100. “If you’re exploring more of the Peak District’s classics, the nearby Mam Tor Circular Walk — ranked number 10 in ITV’s Top 100 — is another brilliant route with huge views for relatively little effort. It’s an easy stretch following the River Dove through a limestone gorge, past caves and the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones laid in 1890, allowing walkers to cross between Derbyshire and Staffordshire. The stones were officially closed in 2023, and a bridge a few hundred metres downstream now provides a safer crossing, though families and walkers still use the stones.
If you’re exploring more of the Peak District’s classics, the nearby Mam Tor Circular Walk — ranked number 10 in ITV’s Top 100 — is another brilliant route with huge views for relatively little effort.
Best Dovedale Stepping Stones and Thorpe Cloud Circular Walk
This 10‑mile circular walk, with multiple possible start points, showcases the best of the stepping stones and gorge, includes an ascent of Thorpe Cloud for panoramic views of Dovedale and the surrounding limestone scenery, and uses the Tissington Trail to complete a loop (though there are several alternative routes to create shorter or longer variations).
Climbing Thorpe Cloud for the Best Views of Dovedale
We walked our loop clockwise, starting near Thorpe, but the area is surrounded by car parks (and villages) offering alternative start points to suit your needs. Thorpe Cloud, visible from Thorpe, is a prominent oval‑shaped hill.
The summit path marked on the OS map was closed due to erosion and landslip, but an alternative route is marked from the south. It’s a relatively short, steep ascent with excellent payoff — panoramic views of Dovedale and the surrounding area. It’s a route we saw families taking, but a good level of fitness and proper boots with traction are needed to avoid any slippery falls.
Walking from Thorpe Cloud to the Dovedale Stepping Stones
After descending Thorpe Cloud, a scenic valley leads walkers to a trail junction where paths meet those from Dovedale Car Park at the famous River Dove Stepping Stones. After several weeks of heavy rainfall, the stones were submerged on our visit, but the path was still relatively busy with people using the bridge downstream instead.
Ilam Rock and Dove Holes: Highlights of the Dovedale Stepping Stones Walk
Heading north, follow the River Dove as the path ambles alongside the water, with the occasional ascent above the gorge (such as at Lover’s Leap) before descending again. There are various small caves for children to explore, along with some boardwalk sections where the gorge narrows.
For walkers wanting a shorter loop, Ilam Rock — a prominent 25‑metre limestone pinnacle — marks the first alternative route, with a bridge taking walkers west across the river and then above Dovedale Wood before looping south.
We continued north, quickly reaching Dove Holes, two caves said to have been used for shelter as long as 15,000 years ago.
Reaching Milldale: Turnaround Point or Loop Extension
It’s pleasant walking on to Milldale, another alternative start point or turnaround point for those completing an out‑and‑back. Some walkers loop west here towards Stanshope before returning south, though some road walking is unavoidable on that route.
Depending on your fitness, time and inclination, it’s easy to continue north along the River Dove as far as you wish before turning east to join the Tissington Trail — a traffic‑free former railway line enjoyed by walkers and cyclists. After another half‑mile or so of river walking, time dictated that we make our turn, and we joined the Tissington Trail after a sharp climb out of the river valley.
Joining the Tissington Trail and Limestone Way to Complete the Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular Walk
The Tissington Trail is flat, allowing a fast pace, and as we looped south towards our start point, we enjoyed pleasant views east across rolling hills.
Tissington is a small village, most notable for Tissington Hall. We left the trail and joined the Limestone Way, bringing us out next to St Mary’s Church, Tissington Hall, and a café. There’s more parking here — your choice of potential starting points for this loop walk is abundant. After refreshments, we continued another mile or so and completed our loop.
Watch the Dovedale to Milldale Circular Walk
Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular Route Map
Dark blue: circular route.
Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular – FAQs
What are the highlights of the Dovedale Stepping Stones circular walk?
Key highlights include:
- Dovedale Stepping Stones
- Thorpe Cloud summit views
- Lover’s Leap viewpoint
- Ilam Rock
- Dove Holes caves
- Milldale village
- Tissington Trail
- Limestone Way
How long is the Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular walk?
The full Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular is around 10 miles, depending on your chosen start point and whether you include Thorpe Cloud or extend the route towards Milldale. Shorter loops of 3–6 miles are also possible.
Where does the Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular walk start?
Popular starting points include:
- Dovedale Car Park (closest to the stepping stones)
- Thorpe village (ideal for including Thorpe Cloud)
- Milldale (good for a shorter out‑and‑back)
- Tissington village (easy access to the Tissington Trail)
Your start point depends on whether you want a short family walk or a full circular.
Is there parking for the Dovedale circular walk?
Yes — several options:
- Dovedale Car Park (closest to the gorge)
- Thorpe village (limited roadside parking)
- Milldale Car Park
- Tissington village (ideal for Tissington Trail access)
Arrive early on weekends and holidays as Dovedale gets extremely busy.
Are the Dovedale Stepping Stones open?
The stepping stones were officially closed in 2023 due to safety concerns, but many walkers still use them. A bridge a few hundred metres downstream offers a safer and more reliable crossing, especially after heavy rain when the stones can be submerged.
Is the Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular suitable for families?
Yes — with some caveats. The riverside path is easy and scenic, and children enjoy exploring the caves and boardwalk sections. However, the Thorpe Cloud ascent is steep, and the full 10‑mile loop may be too long for younger children. Many families walk only to the stepping stones or Ilam Rock. For families wanting a shorter Peak District ridge walk, my Mam Tor Circular has several adaptable route options.
How difficult is the climb up Thorpe Cloud?
Thorpe Cloud is a short but steep ascent. The main summit path is currently closed due to erosion, but an alternative route from the south is waymarked. Good footwear is essential, especially in wet conditions.
Can I shorten the Dovedale circular walk?
Absolutely. Popular shorter options include:
- Stepping Stones → Ilam Rock → return (3–4 miles)
- Stepping Stones → Dove Holes → return (5 miles)
- Thorpe Cloud → Stepping Stones loop (2–3 miles)
These still include the best scenery without committing to the full loop.
Is the path from Dovedale to Milldale easy to follow?
Yes. The route follows the River Dove almost the entire way, with clear signage and well‑trodden paths. The only steeper sections are around Lover’s Leap,
Are there toilets on the Dovedale Stepping Stones Circular?
Toilets are available at:
- Dovedale Car Park
- Milldale (seasonal)
- Tissington village
There are no toilets along the riverside path itself.