Dovedale from Alstonefield

Leaving the car at the small car park in Alstonefield in the County of Staffordshire, Karen and I followed along the road through the village past The George pub and the village church then passed through a squeeze stile into a field. Then passing several more fields and stiles, we dropped down a steep section bringing us finally through a gap between two gardens and into the hamlet of Milldale.

The George, Alstonefield

 Alstonefield Church

As we had a late start and it was lunchtime, we took advantage of the kiosk at Polly's Cottage, and had sausage rolls and hot chocolate while sitting in a shelter to avoid the cool breeze.

Milldale

Polly's Cottage, Milldale 

Once the snack was finished, we crossed the small "Viator's" Bridge crossing the River Dove leaving Staffordshire and returning to Derbyshire.

"Viator's" Bridge

We followed the wide path along the River Dove in Dovedale meeting quite a few other walkers until just after the large cave entrances of Dove Holes (which unfortunately may be impressive in size, do not continue for very far), we followed a well-worn, if narrow, path leading gradually through bushes and small trees up the side of Dovedale.

Dove Holes

Reaching the grassy top of one side of the valley of Dovedale with views back down into the Dale, we continued along a path following the top.
This was much better than expected and very pleasant, again with many fine views. Eventually we reached a smaller side valley which dropped down once again to the Dove, far below at a large rocky area called Lovers Leap.

Duck and Ducklings

We turned upstream and followed the path which was more crowded than the path above, as expected, and soon reached an area below the large natural limestone arch called Reynard's Cave where we had a sit on a couple of limestone blocks for a short rest.

View down into Dovedale

Continuing onwards, we crossed over the river back into Staffordshire at the footbridge by Ilam Rock and had a quick look at the small rock shelter on the other side which had a muddy floor and some fairly well-decorated flowstone.
The path led onwards along the river until reaching the side valley of Hall Dale. Again, this was a surprise as it was also vary pleasant and led us to the village of Stanshope by the impressive Stanshope Hall.
From here we followed a track leading down eventually to the road from Milldale up to Alsonefield which we crossed to the opposite side and then following a winding path leading upwards to fields, we crossed back to where we started in Alstonefield after a very pleasant walk of around 10 kilometres (6 miles).
I was wearing Asolo Fugitive boots, Keela trousers, Paramo Fuera Ascent jacket and Osprey Kestrel 38 rucksack.