Ilam and Dovedale
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 13.1 miles
A pleasant walk through rolling countryside and next to crystal clear rivers. Starting at Ilam hall you gradually climb past stonewalls and ruined barns until you reach the pretty village of Alstonefield, from here you drop sharply down into Wolfscotedale.
Following the river downstream you pass through Milldale and finally Dovedale before returning to Ilam via Coldwall Bridge and the Manifold trail. This route gets quite wet and muddy after rain so good footwear is essential. During summer months this area is EXTREMELY busy with tourists so the route may be best avoided.
Parking/Toilets are at both Ilam Hall (national trust) or Alstonefield.
Further Information
Ilam is a village in Staffordshire, known for its picturesque setting and historical significance. Some of its notable features include:
Ilam Hall: A large country house built in the 18th century that is now used as a youth hostel.
St. Bertoline's Church: A 12th-century church with a Norman tower and a 14th-century nave.
Ilam Park: A large park with formal gardens, woodland, and a lake, offering scenic walks and picnicking opportunities.
The River Manifold: The River Manifold runs through the village, offering opportunities for fishing and canoeing.
Hiking: Ilam is located on the Manifold Way, a popular long-distance walking trail that follows the River Manifold through the Staffordshire Peak District.
Ilam is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors for its scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Dovedale is a valley in the Peak District, located in the county of Derbyshire. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning scenery, rich wildlife, and rich cultural history. Some of its notable features include:
Natural Beauty: Dovedale is a picturesque valley that is home to a variety of landscapes, including limestone cliffs, a babbling river, and lush meadows.
River Dove: The River Dove runs through the valley, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Stepping Stones: The famous Dovedale Stepping Stones are a set of flat limestone rocks that cross the River Dove, offering a fun and challenging way to cross the river.
Hiking: Dovedale is surrounded by miles of footpaths and trails, making it a popular destination for walkers and hikers, offering scenic walks with diverse landscapes.
Wildlife: The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers, as well as a variety of bird species, such as kingfishers and dippers.
Cultural History: Dovedale has a rich cultural history, including the remains of a Roman road and the Dovedale carvings, a series of ancient rock carvings.
What will I see on this walk?
