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Not dead (5
Derbyshire Walking:
A High-level Dovedale Walk
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National Park: Peak District Dovedale Manifold Valley Distance: 9.5 miles / 15.4 km Ascent: 1665 feet / 505 metres Time: 6 hours 30 minutes Grade: Moderate Author: Lou Johnson Start: OS grid reference SK146508 Postcode DE6 2AY (approx. location only) what3words start: gains.tenses.plankton
Dovedale is very popular with walkers and can become overrun with visitors on the valley floor path, especially on the southern section from Thorpe to Milldale. However there are other options and this Peak District walk goes some way to avoiding the crowds! By staying with the high ground on either side of the dale one can enjoy the views in peace and also better appreciate the excellent White Peak scenery en route.
The Route
1. There is a large car park a few hundred metres south of Thorpe Cloud (grid ref. SK146508) where there are toilets and a cafe. Leave the car park and head north along the lane, turning right over the first footbridge with the first objective – the shapely summit of Thorpe Cloud – in view. The old path has been diverted to assist with renewal/erosion work and the approach is now from the east over a longer and easier line. The summit of this small top is soon reached and provides a good vantage point for the next stage of the walk.
2. Head off the summit down the steep path towards the stepping stones over the River Dove. Go through the gate and follow the main path for a few hundred metres north. Then turn right to head up the side of the dale on a clear rising path that takes you to the top of Lover’s Leap. The crowds have now been left behind and, apart from a short busy section at Milldale, you will have the landscape to yourself for much of this round.
3. After enjoying the view at Lover’s Leap turn east. Take the clear path that heads towards Moor Barn and continue on the waymarked route to reach a right of way that goes north (grid ref 160518) to Bostern Grange Farm. Continue through the farm to follow a farm track forking left almost immediately to stay on a northerly course across fields. At the path junction (grid ref 149541) ignore the path heading directly to Milldale, instead opting for the slightly more circuitous route
