Autumn in Dovedale

Join Rob for a Autumnal walk through Dovedale, the name given to the section of the Dove valley between Milldale and Thorpe Cloud, which is on the Derbyshire Staffordshire border. This area contains some of the most spectacular limestone gorge scenery available in this country. Everywhere the river is flanked by steep cliffs, with numerous caves and rock pillars, of which Ilam Rock is only the most spectacular. Our walk will take us from Ilam hall which along with the estate dates from the 16th Century, from here we cross in to Staffordshire and following the Manifold trail, will lead us back in to Derbyshire and to the villages of Wetton, Alstonefield and Milldale. From Milldale our walk takes through the wooded areas Dove Dale along the river bank, passing many Limestone Caves and Tors, we pass Ilam Rock, Lovers Leap and the Stepping Stones over the river Dove. Our route takes us to Thorpe Mill, and then on to the summit of Thorpe Cloud. The classic view of the lower section of Dovedale is obtained from the summit of Thorpe Cloud, the conical hill which guards the entrance to the valley. The hill can be climbed from any direction, though erosion has caused the owners, the National Trust, to direct visitors up particular routes. The easiest ascent is from Thorpe village along the ridge on the eastern side.