A circular walk around Dovedale
Route facts
Waterways:
River Dove »
Distance: 9.6m / 15.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
Suitable for: Everyone
Circular route from: Thorpe village
This interesting walk takes you into the lesser known areas of picturesque Dovedale and through traditional Derbyshire villages where you can stop off for welcome refreshment.
A circular route from Thorpe village, through Dovedale and into Hope. Walkers then follow the valley back via Ilam and hence into Thorpe.
Getting there
Parking: The walk begins at a car park in Thorpe.
Waypoints
1. From Thorpe village
Follow the footpath going north to Lin Dale. After a time you will come to a small beck at the base of an imposing pyramid-shaped hill. This is Thorpe Cloud and you have successfully ascended 110 metres. Continue along the footpath until you reach the River Dove. Here, turn right and walk upstream.
2. Into Dovedale
After following the Dove upstream for just over 3 miles you will come to Mill Dale. The pathway is largely flat and will soon become quiet and rather narrow. This part of Dovedale is rarely explored by casual day-trippers, so you can enjoy the scenic countryside in relative solitude. When you reach the settlement of Mill Dale (the first you will come across) leave the path of the Dove and turn uphill to the left.
3. Hope
After little more than a mile you will come to the village of Hope, where a conveniently placed pub will serve you some well-deserved refreshment. Then, head uphill to the south west and go straight ahead at the cross roads. Approximately 400 metres after the cross roads you will see a stile to your left which you should take. A rather hilly path now leads you past the hall (go to the right of the hall) and down to the valley bottom.
4. Back to Thorpe
At the road junction turn to the left and continue into Ilam. Then follow the road towards Thorpe and cross over the River Dove at the entrance to the Izaak Walton Hotel (in the 17th Izaak Walton wrote 'The Compleat Angler', a fishing manual which brought fame to the Dove). Follow the footpath to Thorpe and church. At the end of the footpath you will be able to find the car park.
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