Ilam Park to Dovedale Stepping Stones trail
This walking trail from Ilam Park to the famous stepping stones at Dovedale covers many of the landmarks and scenic highlights of the White Peak area including Thorpe Cloud, 1,000-year-old Saxon crosses and varied wildlife.
Start point
Ilam Park, grid ref: SK132507Trail information
Plan ahead to avoid busy times
Popular spots like Ilam Park, Manifold Valley and Dovedale get extremely busy with car parks filling up by 9am on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. Planning ahead and checking our social media channels for updates is advised.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Ilam Park, grid ref: SK132507
Stage 1
Start at Ilam Park and walk away from the hall and towards the surfaced footpath by Ilam church.
Stage 2
Follow the surfaced path past the Church into Ilam village. Here you'll find alpine-style houses and a school, provided for locals by Jesse Watts-Russell. Walk along the pavement until you reach the Mary Watts-Russell Memorial Cross. Head over the road before the stone bridge and walk past the postbox on your right.
Stage 3
On leaving Ilam village, after the last house, cross the road and go through a small wooden gate. There are steps up to the footpath. Turn right onto the stone track and continue along the base of Bunster Hill, grazed by sheep and lambs.
Stage 4
At the first gate on the path there are two route options for you to choose from. You can continue through the gate and across the fields towards Thorpe Cloud, which will include further gates, and passes through fields of cows and sheep. Alternatively, turn left before the gate and walk beside the drystone wall. This route avoids cows but will take 10 minutes longer. This is the recommended route for walkers with dogs.
A view of Thorpe Cloud from Bunster Hill in Dovedale, Peak District, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/John Malley Stage 5
The route across the fields passes behind the Izaak Walton Hotel, named after the author of the book The Compleat Angler. He fished the River Dove in the mid 17th century. Bunster Hill is on your left and Thorpe Cloud is ahead of you, with the flat top.
Stage 6
The path will go downhill to join the surfaced track by Dovedale car park and the public toilets (20p charge, not National Trust). Turn left and walk along the track into the valley, passing a small wooden bridge on your right. Welcome to Dovedale. The River Dove is on your right, at the base of Thorpe Cloud. The river marks the boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire
Stepping Stones at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak | © National Trust Images/Neil Jakeman Stage 7
Congratulations, you have reached the Stepping Stones - take a moment to look around and absorb the scenery.
End point
Dovedale Stepping Stones, grid ref: SK152514
Trail map
Trail map for the Ilam Park to Dovedale Stepping Stones walk | © n/a
More near here
Ilam Park to Wetton circular walk
A scenic walk from Ilam Hall and Park that goes via the River Manifold and River Hamps, taking in stunning views of limestone rock formations on the way.
Manifold Valley walk
A 10-mile walk around the River Manifold valley that takes in Thor's Cave, and other distinct landscape features in Dovedale and Ilam Park.
Mam Tor circular walk
This circular walk from Mam Tor in the Peak District takes in some of the most dramatic scenery in the Edale Valley.
Frogatt, Curbar and White Edge red deer circular walk
A circular walk with views across the expanse of Derbyshire's Big Moor, a chance to spot red deer and the option to take a break for a pint and some pub grub halfway round.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Eating and shopping at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
Take a break at Ilam Park and enjoy lunch or a cream tea with stunning views of Thorpe Cloud and the Italian Gardens.
Walking in the Peak District and Derbyshire
Discover the best walking routes around the Peak District and Derbyshire for walkers of all abilities, from peaks and lakeside paths to expanses of moorland.