Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud
The stepping stones, limestone pinnacles and caves of Dovedale, with a short climb up Thorpe Cloud.
- Distance
- 8.4 km
- Ascent
- 500 m
- Time
- 3–4 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 287 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud is an easy 8.4 km out-and-back walk with 500 m of ascent, taking 3 to 4 hours. It starts at Dovedale car park (grid reference SK 146 508).
Dovedale is one of the loveliest limestone valleys in England. From the car park, the walk crosses the famous stepping stones over the River Dove and climbs Thorpe Cloud, a little reef-knoll peak with a big view.
It then follows the river up the dale past Lover's Leap, the pinnacles of Tissington Spires and Reynard's Cave to Ilam Rock, before returning. The stepping stones can be under water after heavy rain.
Route
-
1
Thorpe Cloud
Cross the stepping stones and climb the steep grassy slope of Thorpe Cloud.
-
2
Up the dale
Follow the river past Lover's Leap and Tissington Spires to Ilam Rock, then return.
Summit
Thorpe Cloud
287 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud take?
- Most walkers take 3–4 hours for the 8.4 km route, which has 500 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Dovedale car park (grid reference SK 146 508). Pay car park at the foot of Dovedale.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. Riverside path, stepping stones, and a short, steep, grassy climb up Thorpe Cloud.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: National Trust. Sheep graze the fells and moors: keep dogs on a lead near livestock, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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