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Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud
Iconic Peak District circular walk featuring limestone gorge, famous stepping stones and panoramic summit views.
Loop
About
Walk across Victorian stepping stones through a limestone gorge, then climb Thorpe Cloud for views across Dovedale Valley.
Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud is a celebrated walking destination in the Peak District National Park, accessed via the main Dovedale car park near Thorpe village. The primary circuit combines two distinct experiences: a gentle riverside section following the River Dove through a dramatic limestone gorge, crossing the iconic Dovedale Stepping Stones (first built in the late 19th century), and a more challenging ascent up Thorpe Cloud’s rocky limestone summit offering panoramic views across Dovedale Valley. The route encompasses multiple terrain types including riverside paths, uneven limestone trails, and steep earth tracks, with notable features including Reynard’s Cave and Dovedale Hole. Walking times vary from 1 hour 22 minutes for the shorter Thorpe Cloud circuit (4.2 km) to 2-2.5 hours for extended routes, with longer full-day options available reaching up to 10 miles.
Before you go
- Short circuit from Thorpe village featuring Thorpe Cloud summit with valley views. Route marked with blue wooden stakes from car park uphill. Features steep limestone climb with loose earth; requires sturdy walking boots.
- Can become slippery after heavy rain due to limestone; flooding possible at stepping stones after rainfall; heavily crowded weekends and school holidays (car park often full by 9-10am)
- Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
The route
Full route
Map
Open mapReviews
Read all 5Dovedale is very scenic and beautiful. You get free parking if you are a National Trust Member, so happily got my parking for free. I would high reccomend this place.
Dovedale is such a beautiful part of the country and we really enjoyed visiting here today. We got extremely lucky with the weather this afternoon. Some absolutely breathtaking views and a clean, well-preserved environment, a relatively easy walk. Today we only walked up to the stepping stones, but we’d love to return and walk further!
Tips
0Is this walk suitable for children and families?+
Yes, the flat riverside path to the stepping stones is very family-friendly and pushchair-accessible on the left-hand side of the valley. The Thorpe Cloud summit climb is steep and best suited to older, confident children; close supervision near the river is essential as currents can be strong.
How busy does it get, and what's the best time to visit?+
Dovedale attracts around a million visitors a year and can get extremely crowded on weekends, bank holidays, and during school holidays. Quieter periods are generally before 10am and after 3pm, or on a weekday during school term time.
Do I need to book, or can I just turn up?+
No booking is required, Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud are open access at all times as part of a National Nature Reserve managed by the National Trust. Simply turn up, pay for parking, and follow the signed trails.
Featured in
1 guide
Showing the start and the waymarked paths nearby. The route line is added with a GPX file.
Short circuit from Thorpe village featuring Thorpe Cloud summit with valley views. Route marked with blue wooden stakes from car park uphill. Features steep limestone climb with loose earth; requires sturdy walking boots.
Popular family-friendly route combining riverside walk along River Dove with famous stepping stones crossing and Thorpe Cloud scramble. Highlights include Dovedale Stepping Stones, Reynard's Cave and Dovedale Hole. Follow blue markers and river path.
Full-day circuit combining Dovedale valley floor with elevated ridge walks, offering perspectives from above the gorge. Includes Bunster Hill and Bailey Hill with panoramic views. Longer alternative starting from Ilam. Terrain includes uneven limestone and steep climbs.
Trail details
- Route typeLoop
- Terrainriverside paths, limestone tracks, grassland, steep earth ascents, rocky outcrop
- Best seasonSpring, Summer, Autumn
- Dog friendlyYes
- Buggy or wheelchairNot suitable
Can become slippery after heavy rain due to limestone; flooding possible at stepping stones after rainfall; heavily crowded weekends and school holidays (car park often full by 9-10am)
Getting there
- ParkingDovedale Car Park (National Trust managed)
- Parking cost£5 all day (cash only); free for National Trust members; £4.50 for up to 4 hours
- PostcodeDE6 2AY
Features
Getting there
- ParkingDovedale Car Park (National Trust managed)
- Parking cost£5 all day (cash only); free for National Trust members; £4.50 for up to 4 hours
- PostcodeDE6 2AY
Reviews
5 on GoogleDovedale is very scenic and beautiful. You get free parking if you are a National Trust Member, so happily got my parking for free. I would high reccomend this place.
Dovedale is such a beautiful part of the country and we really enjoyed visiting here today. We got extremely lucky with the weather this afternoon. Some absolutely breathtaking views and a clean, well-preserved environment, a relatively easy walk. Today we only walked up to the stepping stones, but we’d love to return and walk further!
It is beautiful here. However. I went early Monday morning and the litter was unreal. Absolutely disgusting. Glass bottles, cans, nappies. Lazy people ruining it for everyone.
Absolutely beautiful place to visit with friends and family whether your a harcore hiker or just a gentle stroller it is an amazing place to visit
A beautiful walk and place. Filled with nature and beautiful sights. The only downside to this place is the car park pricing, the lack of toilets nearby, the amount of tourism and the fact that it was flooded everywhere.
Tips
0Questions
7Is this walk suitable for children and families?+
Yes, the flat riverside path to the stepping stones is very family-friendly and pushchair-accessible on the left-hand side of the valley. The Thorpe Cloud summit climb is steep and best suited to older, confident children; close supervision near the river is essential as currents can be strong.
How busy does it get, and what's the best time to visit?+
Dovedale attracts around a million visitors a year and can get extremely crowded on weekends, bank holidays, and during school holidays. Quieter periods are generally before 10am and after 3pm, or on a weekday during school term time.
Do I need to book, or can I just turn up?+
No booking is required, Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud are open access at all times as part of a National Nature Reserve managed by the National Trust. Simply turn up, pay for parking, and follow the signed trails.
What should I wear and bring?+
Wear sturdy, grippy footwear, all routes are rocky and uneven, and the Thorpe Cloud climb can be slippery in wet weather. Pack layers suitable for changeable Peak District conditions, and bring snacks and water, as on-site facilities are limited to a refreshment van that doesn't operate all day.
Where do I park, and how much does it cost?+
The main National Trust car park on Thorpe Road (postcode DE6 2AY) is the closest starting point; note the final approach involves narrow lanes with passing places. Parking fees vary by source but are broadly in the range of £3.50-£7 depending on duration and are free for National Trust members, check current charges on the National Trust website before you go, and bring cash as payment machines may be cash-only.
Is the site accessible for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility?+
There are 9 designated accessible parking bays and an accessible toilet with a RADAR lock in the car park. The flat path to the stepping stones (640 m) is passable for many mobility aids, but the stepping stones themselves and all routes beyond, including the Thorpe Cloud climb, are uneven, steep, and not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
How long does the walk take, and what are the key highlights?+
The circular walk from the car park, taking in the stepping stones and the Thorpe Cloud summit, is around 2.8 km (1.75 miles) and typically takes about one hour. Key highlights include the iconic 16-stone river crossing, dramatic limestone gorge views, and panoramic summit views at 287 m (942 ft) over the River Dove and surrounding dales.