Dovedale – A Family Day Out
Summary
This post:
- sets out an overview of the attractions of Dovedale;
- explains how to get there;
- identifies where you can park;
- tells you how to access the Stepping Stones; and
- lists what you should pack for an enjoyable day out.
It also lists other places that you might want to visit while you are in the area.
While doing all of the above it also provides:
- a personal insight into my childhood memories of visiting Dovedale; and also
- my recent experience of revisiting the valley after an absence of over 50 years.
Overview of Dovedale
The Facts
Dovedale, located in the southern part of the Peak District National Park, is one of England’s most picturesque river valleys.
It is well known for its:
- iconic stepping stones that cross the River Dove;
- dramatic limestone cliffs; and
- gentle riverside walks.
Throughout the year it attracts families, walkers and photographers alike.
Largely owned by the National Trust it offers easy walking routes suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy peaceful woodland scenery, picnic spots, caves exploration and fantastic viewpoints.
My Opinions
Perhaps the most enduring thing about Dovedale though is how little it has changed over time. On my recent visit to the area I was transported back to childhood memories of paddling in the river, picnicking on the river’s grassy banks and running up and down the hill that overlooks the Stepping Stones.
In this age mobile phones, TicTok and Instagram it is just nice to see families still enjoying a simple, cost free, day out in the countryside rather than paying for artificial amusement at the likes of theme parks and water worlds.
A Family Day Out at Dovedale
In summary, whether your looking to take a short stroll or a longer countryside adventure, Dovedale still offers one of the Peak District’s most accessible and family-friendly destinations.
How to Get to Dovedale
Travelling From Birmingham
Drive north from Birmingham via the A38 towards Derby, then join the A515 towards Ashbourne. Follow signs for Dovedale and Thorpe. The journey usually takes around 90 minutes depending on traffic.
Travelling From the M1
Leave the M1 at Junctions 24 or 25 and head towards Derby and Ashbourne via the A50 and A515. Continue following signs for Dovedale. Travel time is typically around 45–60 minutes from the motorway.
Travelling From the M6
Leave the M6 at Junction 15 and follow the A50 eastwards towards Stoke-on-Trent and Derby. Take the exit for Ashbourne and continue along the A515 towards Dovedale. Expect the drive to take around 1 hour from the motorway junction.
Using Sat Nav
If you’re using sat nav to make your own way there the nearest postcode is DE6 2AY.
My Own Travel Memories
No Motorways, No Satnav
Back when I was a child of course neither Motorways, nor satnavs existed. All driving was done on A roads and the nearest thing to a satnav was an Ordinance Survey map or an AA Atlas of Great Britain.
In those days you actually had to visualise your journey and understand a bit about geography and navigation. I often wonder if today’s kids still have any of those skills.
Unreliable Cars
Life is also generally much easier today. Back then, making a trip to the Peak District by car was a real adventure. Often as not, something would go wrong with our trusted Morris 10 – a ‘sit up and beg’ type of car, with a leaky sun roof opening, a wind out windscreen and manual direction indicators.
On occasions the radiator would boil over and we’d have to sit at the side of the road and wait for the engine to cool down before refilling it and continuing our journey.
Sometimes of course the problems would be more serious and we’d have to be ‘rescued’ by the AA relay service and be towed back home. From what I remember common problems ranged from flat batteries, leaking brake hoses and dirty petrol pump filters through to broken alternators, jammed starting motors and on one occasion a broken ‘big-end’.
To drive a car back then you really needed to be your own mechanic.
Nowadays, most cars are much more reliable and most drivers have no idea what is under the car bonnet.
Anyway, enough rambling, where was I.
Oh yes, where can you park when you get there.
Parking
The Facts
The most convenient place to park is in the National Trust Car Park. This is located close to the riverside path and the stepping stones.
Current parking charges for using the car park are:
- £5 to park for up to 4 hours; and
- £7 to park all day
If you are a National Trust member parking is free at any time
The car park benefits from the provision of public toilets (subject to a fee) and nearby picnic facilities.
It should be noted however that during busy weekends and school holidays the car park quickly fills up so arriving early is recommended.
Alternative parking options include:
- Narlow Lane car park – (Postcode – DE6 2AT) and
- Milldale car park (Postcode – DE6 2GB)
My Experience
On my recent visit, on a mid week June afternoon, the car park was about two thirds full and the picnic areas were being well used.
Walking to the Stepping Stones
The Facts
The walk from the main National Trust car park to the stepping stones is only about half a mile and takes around 15 minutes.
It’s a well maintained path, mostly flat and passes through some beautiful scenery. As such, it is an easy riverside walk suitable for families with children.
My Experience
Although on my visit the main path was busy with people walking both to and from the Stepping Stones it was still a pleasant walk.
At one point I decided to deviate from the main path and took a side footpath leading out of the valley. After a few minutes walk I found myself all alone, surrounded by beautiful hillsides and only the sounds of bird song for company.
What to Take for a Family Day Out
Take the Following
To make the most of your day out it is recommended that you pack the following items:
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
- Waterproof jackets, as the weather in the Peak District can change very quickly;
- A picnic and plenty of drink
- Snacks for the kids during the walk
- Sunscreen and hats in warm weather
- A small first aid kit
- A camera or smart phone for taking photos
- Spare socks or towels if the kids plan to cross the stepping stones or paddle in the river
- Some small change for the public toilets
- A picnic blanket for relaxing by the river
Be Countryside Friendly
Also, if you are visiting please make sure you leave everything as you found it. Take you litter home, don’t pick the wild flowers or do anything that might cause harm to either the wild life or local communities that lives in and around the valley, 24 hours of the day, 7 days of the week and 365 days of the year.
Accommodation near to Dovedale
If you want to book accommodation near to Dovedale follow the link below:
Accommodation near to Dovedale
Alternatively, you can stay at the Youth Hostel Association’s accommodation at nearby Ilam Hall. Their website can be found here
Remember, staying locally in rural farm houses, guest houses, the Youth Hostel or a local pub helps bring much needed income into the area that supports rural life.
Things to do in the Area
If you decide to make a weekend of your visit other attractions in the area that might be worth considering include:
Alton Towers
Alton Towers Resort is the ultimate escape from the drudgery of daily life. It provides over 40 rides ranging from a ground-breaking, world-first rollercoaster to the UK’s only CBeebies Land. It’s a great day out for thrill-seekers, families, and kids of all ages. It also has its own separate water park that can be accessed from just £24.
Alton Towers Amusement Park – Entry Tickets
I know I was I negative about theme parks earlier but the reality is they are part of normal life these days.
Great British Car Journey
If you want to find out more about what it was like to own a car in years gone by you could also take a journey through Britain’s motoring history. At this interactive exhibition you can follow the route that shaped our cars of today.
There are 150 British classic cars on display from early icons like the Austin Seven, together with names from the past like Morris and Rootes, through to more modern favourites like the Metro.
Great British Car Journey – Entry Tickets
Self Guided Road Trip through the Peak District
If the above all sounds a bit too ‘organised’ and ‘commercialised’ why not do your own thing and set out on your own road trip around the Peak District. This guide will cost you just £11 and takes you through limestone gorges, mountain passes and picturesque Derbyshire villages.
It will provide you with inspiration to visit the region’s historic country houses and partake in rural walks, experience classic viewpoints and observe the area’s most photographed landscapes.
It takes you to places with magic names of old like Hope Valley, Dark Peak Edge, Mam Tor, and Winnats Pass, reliving those childhood memories or perhaps just opening your eyes to life without Instagram and TikTok.
Self guided driving tour of the Peak District
Whatever you decide to do on your day out, I’m sure that a visit to Dovedale will be something that long stays in your memory.
Tag:
#Dovedale #DovedalePeakDistrict #PeakDistrictNationalPark #DovedaleSteppingStones #DovedalePeakDistrictUK
