EasyPartial valley floor off lead, leads near car park and hilltop livestock
6.7 kmDistance
100 minsDuration
Valley paths and grasslandTerrain
Partial valley floor off lead, leads near car park and hilltop livestockOff-lead
Dovedale follows the River Dove into one of the Peak District’s finest limestone gorges, reaching the famous stepping stones roughly halfway along the valley floor before the dale opens and the crowds thin. The path from the National Trust car park to the stepping stones is wide, packed limestone and flat throughout, which makes this one of the better Peak District options for older dogs or any dog that finds rough ground hard going.The section above the stepping stones, past the cave mouth at Dove Holes and up toward the old hamlet at Milldale, is where most dogs are happiest: fewer people on the path, mature ash and sycamore on the valley sides, and several points where the Dove is shallow enough to wade into. The conical hill at the valley entrance, Thorpe Cloud, adds a short steep climb with good views back down the dale.Leads are needed near livestock on the hilltop return sections. The Izaak Walton Hotel at the car park entrance is dog-friendly.On warm weekends the car park fills before 10am. An early start or a midweek visit makes a significant difference.
Yes. Dogs are welcome throughout Dovedale year-round. Keep dogs on leads near livestock and near the car park entrance area. The valley floor path and hilltop options are all accessible with dogs.
Can dogs cross the Dovedale stepping stones?
Most dogs can navigate the stepping stones, which are flat limestone slabs across the river. Small dogs can be carried across. In wet weather or after heavy rain, the stones may be submerged - a temporary footbridge is sometimes in place. Check conditions before visiting October to March.
How busy is Dovedale?
Very. It is one of the most-visited walking sites in the Midlands - the car park can fill entirely by 10am on warm weekends. Midweek mornings are significantly quieter. If your dog finds crowds stressful, an early start or midweek visit is strongly recommended.
Where should I park for Dovedale?
The main car park is the National Trust Dovedale car park (DE6 2AY), pay and display or free for NT members. Ilam Park (DE6 2AZ, over the river in Staffordshire) is an alternative start. Both fill quickly on weekends.