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Dovedale

Looking up into the valley of Dovedale, with an autumnal tree in the foreground (c) NT/ South Peak Estate
  • Looking up into the valley of Dovedale, with an autumnal tree in the foreground (c) NT/ South Peak Estate
  • From the summit of Thorpe Cloud, Dovedale appears, protected by the limestone crags of Bunster Hill. © NTPL/Joe Cornish
  • Panoramic view of the River Dove winding its way lazily through Dovedale © NTPL/Joe Cornish

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About Dovedale

The Victorian stepping stones that cross the River Dove

Explore the crags, caves, spires and deep limestone ravine of this iconic landscape. With historical twists, romantic turns and pleasant surprises Dovedale provides an idyllic enchantment for all who visit it. Be spoilt for choice between the gentle rolling hills of the valley, dalesides covered in colourful wild flowers, woodlands draping the steep slopes of the gorge and through it all runs the “”shining silver”” River Dove.

Hop over the Victorian Stepping Stones to Lovers Leap or explore Reynards cave. Since the 17th Century the area has been popular with keen anglers after Charles Cotton and Izaak Walton published “The Compleat Angler”.

An 18th Century drawing of the Dovedale valley A stroll along the River Dove instantly presents you with the dramatic events that have shaped the gorge over millions of years. Gaze down the valley at what used to be a deep lagoon hidden under a shallow tropical sea fringed with a coral reef. The fossilised sea creatures now form the limestone rocks of the Dove Valley.

The softer areas of the coral reef have been carved out into the impressive gorges and valleys that dominate the landscape filled with caves, that the hunter gatherers used for shelter. Whilst the harder reef, after millions of years of weathering, stand projected from sides of the valley as huge limestone crags and pinnacles.

Discover more about the Peaks past from prehistory to the modern day with our history timeline..

Looking down onto the limestone grasslands of the Dovedale valley Dovedale is one of the finest examples of a limestone and ash woodland habitat to be found in Europe. What makes the Dovedale landscape truly special is the incredible relationship which sees grassland changing into scrub/woodland and vise versa, creating a rare semi-natural and ancient ash woodland containing remnant true ancient woodland around the crags.

For a chance to see the rare and beautiful blue of the wild flower Jacob's Ladder, take a walk through Dovedale where there is significant amounts of the wild flower to be found there. Please remember that they look more beautiful covering the landscape than in your pocket.

Explore these habitats and learn more about the wildlife that inhabit them by selecting the links below:
Limestone Grassland   Ash Woodland   

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Visitor Info for Dovedale

WC WCs
  Dovedale Car Park WC * - Peak District National Park Authority toilets located next to private car park.
  Milldale Car Park WC * - Staffordshire Moorlands District Council public toilets located in Milldale village, close to National Trust Information Barn and private refreshments shop.
  Hartingdon Station WC * - Peak District National Park Authority public toilets, also pay and display car park, horse box parking for the Pennine Bridleway, refreshments and picnic area. Next to Tissington Trail cycleway.
  Tissington Car Park WC * - Peak District National Park Authority public toilets
Car park Car Parks
 
Dovedale Layby *
 
Dovedale Car Park *205 space(s)
 
Milldale Car Park *60 space(s)
 
Tissington Car Park *
 
Narrow Lane Car Park *60 space(s)
 
Alsop Station Car Park *100 space(s)
Info barn Info Barns
  Dovedale Info Barn - Provides information, helpful leaflets and a shelter for walkers
  Milldale Info Barn - Provides information, helpful leaflets and a shelter for walkers
Dogs Dogs
  Dogs are welcome on leads and are to be kept under control in grazing areas and during the breeding season. Please clean up after your dog.
* Please note that these facilities are not maintained or owned by the National Trust
Walking Walking  
  Dovedale walk Download this route
© NTPL/Leo Mason - A walking group climbing Mam Tor Dovedale is widely recognised as being of international importance for its landscape, recreational value and wildlife plateau. It offers fantastic scenery and wide open space for group visits.

When visiting please remember to respect, protect and enjoy the countryside.
Coach parking Coach Parking
 
Dovedale Layby *6 space(s)
 
Dovedale Car Park *6 space(s)
Group booking Group Booking
  Please contact us to arrange a group visit.
© NT/High Peak Estate - Learning advisor and a girl inspect the wildlife found on the High Peak Estate From wildlife to archeology there is so much to learn about Dovedale. We have activities suitable from school groups to university groups - or just groups with a specialist interest or who fancy a visit with a difference.

To find out more please contact our learning officers who will be able to help you arrange your visit.
Education Teachers pack available
  A teachers pack is available here.
Find out more about our Education group membership.
Visitor Centre Visitor Centre
  Open from 9.30am-4.30pm. Our visitor centres can be hired as a class room to host activities for your group or to host talks.

Plan your visit to Dovedale

For driving directions and public transport information on how to get to Dovedale from your chosen location, please use our itinerary planner which will give you step-by-step instructions on how to get here and display the route of your journey on our map.

Plan your journey to Dovedale here.
B&B B&Bs
  Dovetop Farm * - The Farmhouse is located on a gentle hillside offering glorious panoramic views over open countryside extending to the Tissington Trail and the Dove Valley. The area is ideal for walking and cycling with the Manifold and High Peak trails all close by. Telephone: 01335 310472 Email: ann@dovetopfarm.f9.co.uk Website: http://www.dovetopfarm.co.uk/
  Grove Farm * - Situated within the heart of Dovedale in unspoilt rural countryside this family run farm offers an idyllic stay for those wishing to explore the surrounding area.
YHA YHAs
  Alstonefield Youth Hostel * - Overlooking Dovedale, this is a comfortable base from which to explore the Manifold Valley and Wolfscote Dales on foot or by bike. The property is ideal for families and consists of two barns.
  Youlgreave Youth Hostel * - Youlgreave was once the old Co-op village store and it still retains some of the original characteristics - look for the stone beehive (symbol of the Co-op) and the windows inscribed with the shop’s services. Many adventures await outside in the White Peak, where walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers will be in their element.
* Please note that these facilities are not maintained or owned by the National Trust
© NT/High Peak Estate - Children getting hands on with dry stone walling We invite you to come and join us throughout the year to enjoy our programme of events. Everyone can get involved in the activities from hands-on conservation sessions to family fun events exploring the wilder side of the National Trust.

Events include Easter Egg Trails, school holiday craft and discovery sessions, guided walks and talks and learning about traditional crafts such as dry stone walling.

View the up-coming Events here.

Contact Us

Write to us at: South Peak Estate Office
  Home Farm
  Ilam
  Ashbourne
  Derbyshire
  DE6 2AZ
 
Email us at: southpeakestate@nationaltrust.org.uk
 
Call us on: +44 (0) 1335 350503