Dove Holes Caves – Dovedale's stepping stones loop from Ilam

Hiking trails & Routes

Staffordshire Moorlands

Ilam

Dove Holes Caves – Dovedale's stepping stones loop from Ilam

Hard

hikers

Dove Holes Caves – Dovedale's stepping stones loop from Ilam

05:02

17.5km

420m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

43 m

Ilam Village and Ilam Hall

Highlight • Religious Site

The picturesque village of Ilam (eye-lamb) nestles beside the River Manifold in the Staffordshire Peak District among limestone hills. It sits in the Peak District National Park on the Staffordshire …

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410 m

Church of the Holy Cross, Ilam

Highlight • Historical Site

This church, which is dedicated to the Holy Cross (Latin "Santa Croce"), takes its patronage from the cross on which Jesus Christ died. The veneration of the Holy Cross goes …

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8.26 km

Viewpoint

11.4 km

Milldale

Highlight • Settlement

Milldale is a secluded village in an attractive location. Lots of visitors come up from Dovedale though. There's a small local shop that sells sandwiches, ice creams and hot drinks. …

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12.7 km

Dove Holes Caves

Highlight • Historical Site

Dove Holes are a series of three impressive caves beside the River Dove. They were formed around 350 million years ago by glacial meltwater. It’s great fun climbing up into the caves but take care as the rocks are slippery.

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13.3 km

Ilam Rock

Highlight • Natural

Dovedale is renowned for its beautiful rock formations, created by water, ice and wind erosion over the millennia. Some of the exposed limestone has formed magnificent structures, towering above the …

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13.8 km

Boardwalk Along the River, Peak District National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Much narrower here. Still passable with a pram.

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15.5 km

Dovedale's stepping stones

Highlight • River

The Stepping Stones make for a quirky crossing of the River Dove. In the middle of the stones, be sure to look around and admire the stunning scenery. The stones …

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17.4 km