Dovedale Stepping Stones
Iconic stepping stones crossing the River Dove in the Peak District, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offering rewarding hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Dovedale Stepping Stones
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic stepping stones crossing the River Dove in the Peak District, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offering rewarding hikes.
"Breathtaking walk with iconic stepping stones and stunning views!"
🚗 Narrow Road Approach
The road to the car park is very narrow. Drive slowly and be cautious of oncoming traffic.
🥾 Waterproof Footwear Essential
The stepping stones can be flooded or slippery. Wear waterproof boots for safety and comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dovedale Stepping Stones
River Dove
The iconic series of stones crossing the River Dove, perfect for photos and a fun challenge to cross.
Thorpe Cloud Ascent
Adjacent to Stepping Stones
A short, steep climb offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
Ilam Rock & Lovers Leap
Along the River Dove path
Distinctive rock formations offering scenic beauty and photo opportunities along the riverside walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Footwear & Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Narrow Road Approach
The road to the car park is very narrow. Drive slowly and be cautious of oncoming traffic.
🥾 Waterproof Footwear Essential
The stepping stones can be flooded or slippery. Wear waterproof boots for safety and comfort.
🅿️ Parking Fees & Options
Parking at Dovedale Car Park costs around £8/day. National Trust members park free. Consider parking at Ilam for potentially easier access. +1
🚻 Toilet Facilities
Toilets are available at the car park (20p charge) and in Milldale. Be prepared for potential queues. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Narrow Road Approach
The road to the car park is very narrow. Drive slowly and be cautious of oncoming traffic.
🥾 Waterproof Footwear Essential
The stepping stones can be flooded or slippery. Wear waterproof boots for safety and comfort.
🅿️ Parking Fees & Options
Parking at Dovedale Car Park costs around £8/day. National Trust members park free. Consider parking at Ilam for potentially easier access. +1
🚻 Toilet Facilities
Toilets are available at the car park (20p charge) and in Milldale. Be prepared for potential queues. +1
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Stones
Walk up to Milldale, explore Reynards Cave (steep, not for kids), or climb Thorpe Cloud for stunning views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dovedale Stepping Stones are a breathtakingly beautiful and iconic spot in the Peak District, loved for its picturesque scenery and the fun challenge of crossing the river. Visitors praise the stunning views, especially from Thorpe Cloud, and the enjoyable riverside walks. However, the extreme popularity means it can get very crowded, and the narrow approach roads require careful driving.
"This area is so beautiful, thankfully we got there early and got some good photos without loads of people. Upon return there were hoards of people here and loads swimming too. It's not far from the car park to get here, easy flat walk and very enjoyable. The river looked shallow today so nice to paddle in too. The toilets are at the car park and they charge 20p for each turn which is ridiculous in my opinion, this is why people then urinate in the caves and leave toilet paper in them."
Carol A
"Really pretty and definitely photo worthy. I can imagine it's really busy during the day, we came at about 6pm and still had to wait on our return walk to cross as others were taking photos but of course as it's a lovely shot. I don't think there is anywhere else to cross though so it's not wheelchair accessible.
Be aware that the approach to the car park is a very very narrow road so please go slowly as on our approach people were not leaving slowly and and not a huge amount of passing places. Take care."
Victoria W
"Lovely place to visit anytime of the week. Parking is easy, it’s around £8 for the whole day (advisable) or if your a National trust member you pay nothing.
Get there early to enjoy the stepping stones without having to queue forever lol.
Walk through Dovedale admiring Lovers Leap and Ilam Rock all the way up to Milldale.. a lovely little village. The village has toilets and there’s a small cafe that sells tea/coffee/ice creams etc.
On the way back you can climb Reynards Cave, please note that this can get very steep so only climb if you can, good footwear is required too as it can get slippy (Not advised to take children up).
As you make your way back to the stepping stones you can risk making the dreaded quest back over or veer left towards Thorpe Cloud. You can choose to walk up Thorpe cloud if you wish, follow the wooden posts painted blue at the tip. Again, this can be a challenging walk up so good footwear is needed. Coming down can get slippery so be careful. Views at the top are beautiful, worth the climb.
If you don’t fancy that you can walk around the base of Thorpe Cloud and finish where you started.
Great day out in my opinion, whole journey should take around 4 to 5 hours, depending on what you do…. Enjoy!"
Lee Taylor86
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dovedale Stepping Stones are located in the Peak District National Park. The most common access point is via the Dovedale Car Park. Be aware that the road leading to the car park is very narrow, so drive with caution.
While direct public transport to the immediate stepping stones is limited, you can reach nearby towns like Ashbourne or Buxton by bus and then consider local taxi services or longer walks.
Many visitors recommend approaching from Ilam, as parking can sometimes be easier there than at the main Dovedale Car Park, though it's a similar cost.
Roads can be narrow and busy, especially during peak times. Always drive slowly and be mindful of other users.
Yes, you can use Sat Nav, but be prepared for the narrow final approach roads. The Dovedale Car Park is a common destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Dovedale and the stepping stones is free. However, there is a charge for parking at the Dovedale Car Park. +1
Parking at the Dovedale Car Park typically costs around £8 for the whole day. National Trust members can park for free. +1
Dovedale is a natural landscape and is accessible at all times. However, car parks may have operating hours. It's best to visit during daylight.
Dovedale is part of the Peak District National Park, and while managed in parts by the National Trust, access to the stepping stones and surrounding areas is generally free. Parking fees apply.
Advance booking for parking is generally not available. It's a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Crossing the stones can be a fun challenge. They can be slippery and are sometimes flooded, so waterproof footwear is essential. It's not wheelchair accessible. +1
You can walk along the River Dove, climb Thorpe Cloud for panoramic views, explore Ilam Rock and Lovers Leap, and walk to the charming village of Milldale.
Yes, children often enjoy the stepping stones and paddling in the river. However, some areas like Reynards Cave and the climb up Thorpe Cloud are steep and not advised for young children. +1
Toilets are located at the Dovedale Car Park (20p charge) and in Milldale village. +1
No, there is generally no phone signal at Dovedale, which many visitors find a welcome escape.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds. Golden hour can create magical shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape and stepping stones. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
The stepping stones themselves are the main attraction. For wider vistas, the summit of Thorpe Cloud provides stunning panoramic views.
Visit during off-peak hours, such as early mornings on weekdays, or be patient and wait for moments when people have moved on.
The stepping stones, the River Dove, Thorpe Cloud, Ilam Rock, and the surrounding Peak District landscapes are all excellent subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy by the river, as there are sheltered picnic benches available. The lack of phone signal can be a blessing, allowing kids to disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Experienced hikers might also explore routes that incorporate Reynards Cave, though this requires good footwear and caution due to its steepness. The opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Peak District, with its rolling hills and flowing river, makes Dovedale a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
📸 Photographers
Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the landscape and the iconic stepping stones. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance the sky.
Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as dramatic skies can add to the photographic appeal. Patience is key to capturing shots without other visitors in the frame. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Dovedale Stepping Stones
While crossing is generally straightforward, patience is often required due to the popularity of the spot. Be mindful of others waiting to cross or take photos. The area is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to the uneven terrain and the nature of the crossing.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, the path continues beyond the stones, leading to other points of interest. The experience is enhanced by the natural beauty of the valley, making it a memorable part of any Peak District visit.
Exploring the Dovedale Valley
For the more adventurous, the valley presents options for more challenging hikes. Thorpe Cloud, a prominent hill overlooking the valley, offers a rewarding climb with spectacular panoramic views of the Peak District. The ascent is steep but well worth the effort for the vistas.
The entire area is a haven for nature lovers, with opportunities for picnicking, wildlife spotting, and simply enjoying the tranquil countryside. The lack of phone signal in many parts of the valley adds to the sense of escape and immersion in nature.
Practicalities: Parking, Toilets, and Access
Toilet facilities are available at the Dovedale Car Park, with a small charge of 20p per use, and also in Milldale village. Be prepared for potential queues, especially during busy periods.
Access to the stepping stones themselves is via a relatively flat, easy walk from the car park. However, the road leading to the Dovedale Car Park is notoriously narrow, requiring slow and cautious driving.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit