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Staffordshire Moorlands

Ilam

Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Staffordshire Moorlands

Ilam

Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

Moderate

4.6

(275)

1,104

hikers

Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

03:41

12.9km

280m

Hiking

Embark on a moderate 8.0-mile (12.9 km) hike through the famously pretty Dovedale valley, a journey that typically takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete. You will gain about 929 feet (283 metres) in elevation as you follow the River Dove, encountering dramatic limestone cliffs and unique rock…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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2.75 km

Dovedale's stepping stones

Highlight • River

The Stepping Stones make for a quirky crossing of the River Dove. In the middle of the stones, be sure to look around and admire the stunning scenery. The stones …

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4.33 km

Reynard’s Cave and Natural Arch

Highlight • Cave

Reynard’s Cave is located high up on the bank of Dovedale. The caves, formed by the erosion of limestone, were used as a shelter by hunters from around 13,000 BCE. …

Tip by

5.67 km

Dove Holes Caves

Highlight • Historical Site

Dove Holes are a series of three impressive caves beside the River Dove. They were formed around 350 million years ago by glacial meltwater. It’s great fun climbing up into the caves but take care as the rocks are slippery.

Tip by

7.03 km

Milldale

Highlight • Settlement

Milldale is a secluded village in an attractive location. Lots of visitors come up from Dovedale though. There's a small local shop that sells sandwiches, ice creams and hot drinks. …

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12.7 km

Ilam Hall

Highlight • Historical Site

Ilam Hall stands at the centre of the Ilam Park Estate. Built in the 16th century the hall was owned by the Port family for over 200 years. It was …

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12.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.82 km

1.73 km

624 m

352 m

330 m

Surfaces

3.31 km

3.14 km

2.95 km

2.58 km

518 m

357 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (300 m)

Lowest point (140 m)

Weather

Sunday 10 May

10°C

4°C

48 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Trail Reviews

Simon Wilson

November 6, 2023, Dovedale loop from Ilam to Milldale

Waded across where the Dovedale stones were.. came up to my waist much to the delight of a few people who daren't cross it and just took footage of me lol

stompin shelly

September 14, 2024, Dovedale loop from Izack Walton Hotel

Very steep climbs in places. Some rock scambling up to Reynards cave. Some difficult terrain under foot. Would not recommend in or after wet weather. Amazing views! Well worth all the up!

Jux

September 13, 2025, Dovedale loop again

Lovely area as always and very slippery - could have done with our poles today in places :)

Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

Dovedale's stepping stones

Reynard’s Cave and Natural Arch

Dove Holes Caves

Milldale

Ilam Hall

Nearby routes

Trail Reviews

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