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Dovedale Stepping Stones – 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, cave 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 of mobile phones, TikTok 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.
In summary, whether you’re 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 Ordnance 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 sunroof 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:
- £6 to park for up to 4 hours; and
- £8 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 midweek 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 smartphone 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 your litter home, don’t pick the wildflowers or do anything that might cause harm to either the wildlife or local communities that live in and around the valley, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a 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 farmhouses, 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 negative about theme parks earlier, but the reality is they are part of normal life these days.
Visit Casterne Hall
Situated high above the River Manifold near the Dovedale ravine, this historic house served as a backdrop in the filming of series four of Peaky Blinders. It was specifically used to film scenes in which Tommy Shelby dealt with rural threats.
The house is in private ownership, so any interest in this location will be strictly limited to a viewing from afar.
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 will stay in your memory.
Dovedale – The Video short
Finally, if you need more convincing that Dovedale is worthy of a visit, this video short of my visit has been viewed 50,000 times on uTube.
Useful Resources
If you ever want to undertake long distance travel adventures in Europe, then the following resources could prove useful in planning your trip.
Train Tickets
InterRail travel passes, ranging from country specific to Europe-wide, and valid for just a few days or up to three months, can be obtained at:
If you buy your InterRail pass in the November Black Friday sale or the March / April Spring sale, you can usually get a 25% discount on the price of all passes. Additionally, if you are under 28, you get an extra 25% discount anyway. Similarly, an extra 10% discount is also available for those who are 60 or over.
Alternatively, individual Europe-wide train tickets can be booked online using the link below:
This website provides all the details you need, train times, connections and prices, and it also allows you to book tickets there and then online. No need to navigate train operator sites, translate from a foreign language or deal with currency conversions.
Accommodation
Budget hostel, private apartment or hotel accommodation can be found using this link to Booking.com, the most trusted accommodation booking service on the internet.
Luggage Storage
If you haven’t got time to stay overnight in any place, but still want somewhere to store your luggage during the day to go sightseeing, Radical Storage are brilliant.
They have a network of luggage storage facilities in most towns and cities worldwide. You can reserve a space online and pay by iPay or similar just a few minutes before you need to drop your luggage off, or book in advance.
The website will give you a quotation, issue you with a QR code to show to the local operator and provide directions to the shop / facility (together with a grid reference).
Nothing could be simpler. They also provide luggage insurance just in case something goes wrong. Hopefully you won’t need it – in my view, it just illustrates their trust in their local partners.
Find out more about Radical Storage
Further Reading
Other Detailed Local Area Posts from my Travels
Details of My Many Long Distance Overland Adventures
Useful Country Factsheets
Earn Income From Your Travel Activities
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