England, Staffordshire’s Peak District, Dovedale walk: Renyard’s Cave, Dove Holes, Stepping Stones, and Rock Formations

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Dovedale is a mix of limestone pinnacles, caves and natural arches. Through its heart flows the clear waters of the River Dove. A beautiful walk that allows for varied detours depending on your fitness level.

The Dovedale Circular Walk begins from Dovedale car park. From there, turn right onto a tarmac road and follow the River Dove upstream to a large set of stepping stones (53°03’33.4″N 1°46’32.4″W).

Once across, follow the path through the gate, keeping the river to your left. You will pass Lover’s Leap (53°03’47.8″N 1°47’05.1″W) where you can see the twelve apostles to the left, along with many other limestone features (or as we like to call them, rocks) along the way.

Keep following the river to get to Reynold’s Cave (53°04’10.6″N 1°47’06.1″W).

Continue along the river where the path becomes a boardwalk known as ‘The Straits’. A little further on (on the other side of the river) is Ilam Rock (53°04’29.9″N 1°47’22.5″W) as well as another small cave (on the same side you’ve been walking) – don’t cross the bridge here,

After you continue past the bridge, you will find the Dove Holes (53°04’48.3″N 1°47’17.4″W).

Continue on till approximately 3 miles into the Dovedale Walk, and you will reach Viators Bridge and Milldale village.

From here, you can turn and walk back the same way, or cross the picturesque bridge to explore the village and begin the more challenging half of the hike. For the return journey, walk through the village (taking the road to the left) and find the walking path that goes upwards on the other side of the river. This path is less clear, going through fields and such-like, until you hit the bridge near Ilam Rock where you rejoin the path you first came on.

To visit, park at Dovedale car park (charged at £5 for the day, or free if you’re a National Trust member), or there’s a layby in Thorpe (53°03’07.3″N 1°46’18.0″W) which is free but further. There’s also a car park in Milldale (53°05’24.4″N 1°47’53.6″W). It’s worth noting that there are public toilets at both ends of the walk, in Dovedale car park (20p) and Milldale.

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