A gentle walk from Ilam to the Stepping Stones, Dovedale.
Allow an hour and a half (there and back).
Before setting off on your walk it’s worth spending time in the picture-perfect village of Ilam which was largely rebuilt in the 1800s as swiss style chalets.
At the centre of the village is Ilam Hall and Park. This is now a YHA youth hostel which is surrounded by splendid National Trust parkland stretching down to the River Manifold.
It’s worth taking a look round.
When you are ready to start your walk head for The Holy Cross Church just beneath Ilam Hall.
Follow the path towards the centre of the village and then veer left following the road.
Just to the edge of the village there’s a footpath on your left which is signed “Stepping Stones”
The path gently climbs and then opens out.
The glorious Bunster Hill can be seen to your left.
Even more impressive is Thorpe Cloud which rises in front of you. With its flat top it looks as if its summit has been removed. It stands at 287 metres / 942 ft above sea level.
After ten minutes or so the path touches the boundary of the Izaak Walton Hotel (to your right). You can stop here for refreshments.
The path to the Dovedale Stepping Stones dips down and takes you through a small woodland.
At the bottom of the woodland turn left and you will see a National Trust car park here together with toilets and a refreshment kiosk .
The lane peters out and is replaced by a footpath which follows the contours on the left bank of the River Dove.
It’s not long before you reach the famous Stepping Stones at Dovedale.
You can either cross over here to explore Dovedale further or turn around and make you way back to Ilam.
Follow these links below for more related articles;
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