I’m a big fan of the famous stepping stones walk in Dovedale and the many walks surrounding them. You can take a short stroll from the main carpark or a longer walk from neighbouring Ilam. Our latest outing to the stepping stones was a bit longer and included another of my favourite parts of the Peak District. This is a brilliant 10 mile Ashbourne to Dovedale circular walk .
Where to start this Ashbourne to Dovedale circular walk
It’s best to start this walk in Ashbourne. That way there are plenty of places to eat, use the facilities or grab a drink at the start or end of your hike. We parked round the back of the Ashbourne Leisure Centre. The Postcode DE6 1AA will get you there. It was £6 to leave the car for the whole day and the Leisure Centre were happy to let us use their toilets.
The Ashbourne to Dovedale Route
Once you’ve parked up head through the black and white gate at the back of the car park.
Follow this path a short distance and you’ll reach a bridge then a tunnel. Keep going under the bridge and into the tunnel all the way to the end. At the end of the tunnel you’ll reach another car park (another option if the leisure centre is full but I do really like going through the tunnel!) and the Ashbourne bike hire store. Here you’ll find more toilets if you need to use them.
Go past the bike shop and onto the Tissington Trail. After a short distance you’ll come to another gate – head through the metal part and keep going. you’ll reach a bridge, cross this over Bentley Brook and keep going till you reach a sign post.
Here you’ll be leaving the Tissington Trail (for now). You want to be turning left and down the wooden steps. over the style at the bottom and into the field.
It’s quite a hike here up to the top left corner, but keep going, taking in the gorgeous views. Pass through the gate at the top, turning to the right.
Follow the narrow trail keeping the fence to your left.
You’ll soon come to some wooden slats across a small brook and a sign saying private property. It’s fine to cross through the gate and follow the hill down and to the right, just make sure you stick to the path. Although it is a bit confusing, you should be able to see a well worn trail.
Follow the path round to the right, keep going downhill towards the buildings at the bottom. You’ll see a narrow opening, go through and follow the path. It will feel like you’re heading into someone’s house but it is a public footpath. You’ll come out into Mapleton village.
Turn right when you reach the road towards the Okeover Arms then cross the road.
You’ll soon see a footpath sign turning left through the wall pointing to Dovedale. Crossover this field in a diagonal, exit the far side through another gap in the wall and cross the road. You should see a bridge to your left.
Cross the road and head through the gate directly opposite. Keeping the river on your left hike through the next few fields. The path is easy to follow here with a few bridges and signposts to follow.
You’ll pass a few farm buildings and the track will gradually widen. You should be able to see the peak of Thorpe Cloud in the distance.
Keep going until you get to this kissing gate then cross the bridge at the top of the Dovedale stepping stones carpark. If you need to stop there are toilets in this carpark. It’s 20p to use them.
If you can keep going turn right after the bridge and follow the path (with the river on your right) until you reach the stepping stones. Everyones favourite part of the walk! It can be extremely busy so you may have to wait a while to cross. Once you see a pace in the crowds cross over (they’re not difficult but definitely not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs).
Angle right once you’re over and take the second path. You could take the first path and head up Thorpe cloud for some amazing views but for this walk we’re going round the peak.
This bit is a little steep and hard going but not for too long. You’re heading through the valley between two peaks. There’s a shooting range to the left so don’t stray too far from the path.
Once you’ve reached the top you’re going to cross the field heading slightly right. You’ll soon get to the back of The Peveril of the Peak Hotel. There is a gap in the fence for you to head through, it looks like you’re going into the hotel but you just need to pass through, down some steps and into the carpark.
Keep going down the hotels driveway turning left up the hill when you get to the bottom. This one is steep but keep going, it’s the last steep bit you’ll have to contend with on this walk!
At the top you’ll get to Ye Old Dog Pub which is a great place to stop for a restorative drink or a hearty lunch. You’ve earned it!
On leaving the pub cross over the roan and head downhill. Follow the road to the bottom then you’ll be re joining the Tissington Trail. It’s a really easy walk, although quite a distance all the way back to Ashbourne.
And that’s it! Ashbourne to Dovedale and back complete.
Ashbourne to Dovedale Map
Make sure you join the Marvellous Midlands Walks Facebook Group where you can share your favourite routes, photos and recommendations for walks in the Midlands. It’s also a great place to ask for recommendations and find inspiration for your next hike.
The Ashbourne to Dovedale circular walk with dogs
Holly absolutely loves this walk, there are plenty of new sniffs, places to paddle and even some squirrels to chase. I kept her on the lead for most of the hike as you never know when there may be livestock in the fields. There are dog bins at various points on the walk and bowls for water in all of the pubs. All the stiles and gates were dog friendly, although much larger dogs may struggle to get through some of the dog friendly stiles.
Refreshments and Facilities
There are heaps of pubs, cafes and restaurants in Ashbourne for the start or end of your walk. Or if you fancy somewhere along the way you could try the Okeover Arms or Ye Old Dog. You’ll find public toilets at the bike shop in Ashbourne and also in the carpark at the stepping stones.
Route details
This walk comes in at just under 10 miles or 16 kilometres. It took us around five hours to complete but we did stop for a drink at Ye Old Dog and for a sit at the stepping stones.
Most kids should be able to manage it easily and will love the stepping stones themselves. There are a few hills you’ll need to motor up and several rocky or muddy paths to be aware of.
Other walks to try near Ashbourne in the Peak District
For another circular walk that takes in the Stepping Stones have a look at this Ilam to Dovedale loop which is a lot shorter at just 4 miles.
Another gorgeous hike just five miles from Ashbourne is this Ellastone walk, it’s a lot shorter, taking around two hours.
Or if you’re after another great hike for paddling, this Three Shires Head walk is absolutely stunning and just over 45 minutes drive from Ashbourne.
