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Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United Kingdom
England
West Midlands Region
Staffordshire
Staffordshire Moorlands
Ilam

Dovedale's stepping stones – Thor's Cave loop from Ilam

Hard

5.0

(5)

24

hikers

Dovedale's stepping stones – Thor's Cave loop from Ilam

06:05

22.0km

390m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

1.93 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 …

Tip by

2

3.65 km

Much narrower here. Still passable with a pram.

Tip by

3

4.15 km

Ilam Rock

Highlight • Natural

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 …

Tip by

4

6.07 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. …

Tip by

5

10.7 km

Thor's Cave

Highlight • Cave

The views alone are worth the trek up, especially those past the cave and up at the cloud. You'll need a buddy to help you scramble the last section into …

Tip by

6

17.2 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

19.1 km

Dovedale Stepping Stones

Highlight (Segment) • River

Gets very busy at weekends..best to go during the week

Tip by

8

21.9 km

Ilam Cross

Highlight • Historical Site

If you visit Ilam then you can't miss its landmark... The Ilam Cross. It stands on a 3 step plinth in the centre of a roundabout in the village and …

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B

22.0 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.0 km

4.69 km

2.39 km

1.64 km

238 m

Surfaces

9.03 km

4.77 km

3.91 km

2.06 km

1.12 km

1.08 km

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Elevation

Elevation

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

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Weather

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Friday 22 May

22°C

13°C

-- %

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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