A Visit to Dovedale
Many visitors to the Peak District may already know or have been to Dovedale; it’s one of the most popular beauty spots in the National Park and indeed one of the most visited natural sites in Britain, attracting over a million visitors every year. The easy access paths through the valley and the delightful river with its pretty stepping stones make it a firm favourite with families and day-trippers.Â
It’s not hard to see why. The sheltered valley is surrounded by towering limestone crags that rise above the River Dove as it tumbles through the dale, and it’s surely a contender for one of the prettiest rivers in the Peak District. In 1931 Dovedale was one of the areas to be proposed for the very first national park in England, although it was eventually included within the bounds of the Peak District National Park twenty years later, when it became the first National Park in 1951. Â
Dovedale is owned by the National Trust and has been since 1934. It became a National Nature Reserve in 2006, in recognition of its importance for wildlife and native flora, and it’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The ash woods in this area are considered the best in England, and the valley is also home to many species of rare plants, including wild lily of the valley. Keen-eyed bird watchers can see kingfishers and dippers along the river, and shy water voles live along its wooded banks.
Despite its popularity it’s still not difficult to escape the crowds if you walk a short distance away from the main valley, and the nearby dales of Hall Dale and Milldale will reward you richly for just a little exploration off the beaten track.Â
To explore for yourself around beautiful Dovedale, Hall Dale and Ilam, why not follow the Let’s Go Peak District walk around the area? You can find more information and download it HERE.
A Very Important Word!
Dovedale is a precious, environmentally sensitive place, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for its plant life and wildlife. PLEASE treat it with the respect it deserves. Remember that BARBECUES AND CAMP FIRES ARE NOT PERMITTED WITHIN THE PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK. If you bring a picnic, PLEASE take all your litter away with you. Please keep your dogs on a lead, especially during the nesting and lambing season, and clean up after them. Thank you. With a little care and consideration, we can all help to keep this place special for the next 70 years and beyond!
How do I get to Dovedale?
Dovedale is on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border in the south of the Peak District National Park. It is well-signposted from the A515 between Buxton and Ashbourne. The car park postcode is DE6 2AY.
The car park is open daily throughout the year. The car park is privately owned and there is a parking charge that applies to all visitors, including National Trust members.
There are toilets located beside Dovedale car park, managed by Peak District National Park Authority (20p charge).
There is also a light refreshments kiosk in the car park.
