What is this? Once your arrive at Dovedale Stepping Stones, you can take the footpath back up to the summer of Thorpe Cloud should you wish. It’s a 20 minute steep ascent (1.4 km extra there and back) and the views are incredible.

To reach the Thorpe Cloud parking area from Ashbourne, drive northwest on Buxton Road/A515 for 0.9mi and turn left onto Spend Lane. After 1.9mi, turn left onto Wintercroft Lane and follow it for 0.5mi. Continue straight along Thorpe Road for another 0.3mi and turn left to park your vehicle.

Ilam Park and Dovedale car park are free for National Trust members. Otherwise, the charge is £3.50 for up to 4hrs parking, £5 for over 4hrs. Tickets are not transferable between the car parks.

This short walk climbs to the top of Thorpe Cloud in the Peak District. This small hill can be climbed from the Dove Dale car park. It’s a short climb on good footpaths with the reward of wonderful views over the beautiful Dovedale.

Ilam Park
You can park at Dovedale carpark itself or a mile away at Ilam Park.

Dogs on leads are always welcome at Ilam Park and Dovedale. You’ll find water bowls near the Stableyard Grab and Go and toilets at Ilam Park. There are numerous walk routes for exercising your dog and taking in the countryside views.

Dovedale car park is open 9am – 7:30pm every day. National Trust members can park for free with proof of membership card and non-NT members will need to pay £3.50 for up to 4 hours and £5 all day (no overnight car parking allowed).

around 3 miles
Dovedale is a scenic valley in the Peak District, Staffordshire and a very popular beauty spot. Dovedale valley follows the River Dove and is actually around 3 miles long. We have six Dovedale walks on the Staffordshire Walks app, download the app to view all walks and see your position on the map as you walk.

WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Dovedale Stepping Stones, Thorpe Cloud, paddling in the River Dove. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids, this is a 1.5 hour walk, but with young kids it is closer to 2.5 hours (longer if it’s a sunny day and you want to picnic by the river and maybe have a paddle).

Dovedale is a great place for walking your dog with lovely views to enjoy along the whole route. No dogs must stay on the lead.

Please be aware that this area is very popular on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, with Ilam Park and Dovedale car park often being full by 9am on busy days.

Dovedale is renowned for its beautiful rock formations, created by water, ice and wind erosion over the millennia. Some of the exposed limestone has formed magnificent structures, towering above the valley floor.

£8 on the day, £7 when bought online. £8 at the car park barriers or £7 when purchased online! Disabled Parking is available and conveniently located close to the admissions area.

However, due to erosion, these have all been re-routed to one main path which takes you down from Thorpe Cloud, heading away from the River Dove. Walk along the base of the hill towards the River Dove.

From Narlows car park turn right out of the car park, heading towards The Old Dog Pub along the road. Continue past the pub, down the road, as you descend gradually on your right you’ll see the iconic hill Thorpe Cloud. At the point where the road bends round to the left, you’ll see the entrance to the hotel.

You then go through a gate then descend Thorpe Cloud up a steep path. In wet weather, the rocks can be very slippy at the top, so watch your footing! At 287 metres high (924 ft), it’s one of the smallest hills in the Peak District but you have wonderful views from the top!