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Staffordshire Moorlands

Alstonefield

Dove Holes Caves – Milldale loop from Alstonefield

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Staffordshire Moorlands

Alstonefield

Dove Holes Caves – Milldale loop from Alstonefield

Moderate

4.7

(25)

hikers

Dove Holes Caves – Milldale loop from Alstonefield

02:20

8.02km

190m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Guest House

Get Directions

3.26 km

Hall Dale

Highlight • Gorge

Hall Dale is a steep and narrow dry valley that runs from the hamlet of Stanshope into Dovedale. The top is characterised by steep grassy banks that become a riot of colour in spring and summer as many varieties of wildflowers blossom. The latter section descends steeply through woodland into Dovedale. Hall Dale is very idyllic and is typically peaceful, even at busier times.

Tip by

3.93 km

Natural Weir on the River in Peak District National Park

Highlight • Natural Monument

4.17 km

River Dove

Highlight • River

Lovely to hear the river and see a heron on quiet days. Does get busy after 10am.

Tip by

4.68 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.

Tip by

4.79 km

Mill Dale Caves

Highlight • River

very busy on the first few miles , but great solo after 7 miles

Tip by

6.00 km

Viator's Bridge

Highlight • Monument

The picturesque narrow stone bridge in Milldale has been in use since the Medieval period, when it was crossed by a packhorse route used for transporting fabrics from the mills at nearby Wetton and Alstonefield. It is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Its name was coined by Izaak Walton, who called himself ‘Viator’, Latin for traveller, in The Compleat Angler, and referred to the bridge as being so narrow that ‘a mouse can hardly go over it.’ letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk/listing/dovedale

The area next to the bridge features a lovely grassy river bank and seating, perfect for a spot of relaxation.

Tip by

6.03 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. It's great for a relax after a days hike and a good starting point for exploring Dovedale, Biggin Dale and Wolfcote Dale. There's a free car park not far from the village centre.

Tip by

6.04 km

Polly's Cottage Café

Highlight • Cafe

Great place to stop, grab a brew or some food/ice cream and sit by the river. Wonderful owner.

Tip by

8.02 km

End point

Guest House

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.04 km

1.97 km

1.77 km

211 m

Surfaces

2.58 km

1.96 km

1.39 km

1.13 km

857 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (280 m)

Lowest point (170 m)

Weather

Thursday 9 July

31°C

17°C

4 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Dove Holes Caves – Milldale loop from Alstonefield

Hall Dale

Natural Weir on the River in Peak District National Park

River Dove

Dove Holes Caves

Mill Dale Caves

Viator's Bridge

Milldale

Polly's Cottage Café

Nearby routes

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