Dovedale Wood – Dovedale's stepping stones loop from Ilam

Routes

Running trails & routes

Staffordshire Moorlands

Ilam

Dovedale Wood – Dovedale's stepping stones loop from Ilam

Hard

5.0

(1)

runners

Dovedale Wood – Dovedale's stepping stones loop from Ilam

02:56

24.4km

540m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.66 km

Dovedale Wood

Highlight • Natural

Dovedale Wood is picturesque woodland that rises steeply from the River Dove. It’s a tough climb through the trees but the rewards are worth it. Rocks and screes which are …

Tip by

4.65 km

Hall Dale

Highlight • Gorge

Hall Dale is a steep and narrow dry valley that runs from the hamlet of Stanshope into Dovedale. The top is characterised by steep grassy banks that become a riot …

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11.9 km

River Dove

Highlight • Natural Monument

12.4 km

Wolfscote Dale NNR

Nature Reserve

14.3 km

Iron Tors

Nature Reserve

15.8 km

Fishpond Bank

Highlight • Trail

Fishpond Bank is a particularly pretty stretch of Wolfescote Dale. In spring and summer, the bank bursts into a riot of colour with wildflowers. And, of course, the River Dove …

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15.9 km

River Dove Bridge at the Derbyshire–Staffordshire Border

Highlight • Bridge

Scenic little bridge over the river Dove that sits between the signs for Derbyshire (and a steep hill) on one side and Staffordshire and on the other

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16.8 km

Polly's Cottage Café

Highlight • Cafe

Great place to stop, grab a brew or some food/ice cream and sit by the river. Wonderful owner.

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18.7 km

Dovedale Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Gorge

Dove Dale is a steep sided limestone valley in the southern Peak District National Park. The River Dove flows down the valley and a brilliant trail runs along the eastern …

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21.0 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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24.4 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types