The Dovedale Stepping Stones and Thorpe Cloud walk is short, but it’s a steep climb to the top of Thorpe Cloud. This route is good if you’re just starting out with hiking.
It’s a bit scrambly at the top and can be a bit scary when it’s windy, so make sure you’ve got the right gear on and be careful.
Grab yourself a much-needed ice cream from the cabin in the car park when you get back down! Dovedale can get busy, especially when the weather is good, so try to visit on a weekday if you can or arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Parking: Dovedale car park. Dovedale is a National Trust-owned car park, so members can park for free. Otherwise, it is around £5 for the day. There are toilets here, but you do have to pay for them.
The route
From the car park, follow the path to the right of the toilets until you get to the famous stepping stones. Cross over the stepping stones but be careful as they may be slippery. Also, if there has been a lot of rain recently, the River Dove here can be high, so be sure to check before you go.
Dogs may find this bit difficult if they can’t swim. I have to carry Alfie over the stepping stones. He can swim. He just doesn’t like getting wet if he can help it!
Straight ahead, you’ll see a signpost for the footpath to the summit of Thorpe Cloud. Follow the way markers to the top of the hill. Please note that the footpath is often changed to avoid erosion. Be sure to follow the markers and the path up. Don’t deviate and make your own path.
Once you’re near to the top, the path gets very steep. A bit of scrambling is required at the rocky outcrop at the top to get to the summit. You can walk along the rocky ridge and enjoy the fantastic views of the surroundings.
Start back down the same way you came up. Once the path levels out, go round to the right. This path passes a farm building and follows a wall on the left.
Be careful on the way down, especially if it rains, as it can be muddy here. In fact, I slipped over and fell on my bum!
Continue along the path until you see Ilam Park. You can then cross a wooden footbridge over the River Dove. Take the next left and then follow the path back to the car park.
After Thorpe Cloud, you can extend your walk further if you wish by following the footpath you got to after the stepping stones. That’s if your legs can handle it, of course! After around a mile and a half, you will come to a group of caves which is an excellent spot for a packed lunch. Enjoy this here and then head back to the car park.
Other walks in the Peak District
Check out some of my other Peak District and Derbyshire walks or walks in Chesterfield.
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