Walking through a very quiet Milldale.

I enter Dove Dale via Viator's Bridge.

There are signs that the weather forecast might be correct and I'm in for a sunny day.

Ahead of me is Baley Hill and it appears I have the dale to myself.

As I continue through the dale the only sound is the River Dove.

Ravens Tor comes into sight as the weather continues to improve.

Dove Holes comes into sight and it is decision time, do I go up or remain in the dale.

I reach Ilam Rock and I still haven't met anyone, although that was about to change
as the crowds started coming from the opposite side of the dale.

Approaching a section of the dale I rarely visit, where the path is carried on planks above the River Dove.

Dovedale Wood from Lover's Leap. The area was full of people who were predominantly expressing the opinion that they were going no further, which is a shame as they would miss the best bits of the dale.

Thorpe Cloud comes into view and another decision moment, do I go and visit the summit.

Plenty of people crossing the stepping stones today.

A wider view, because John and I couldn't agree on which shot we preferred.

I pass on summiting Thorpe Cloud and crossing the stepping stones, instead I continue along the bottom of the dale.

After crossing the footbridge at the end of the dale I'm suprised by a new addition to the landscape. I'm not convinced it really is necessary to have this hut here, surely it would be better in the car park. Being cynical I guess if it was in the car park the National Trust wouldn't make as much money!

I never cease to be amazed by the very different views of Thorpe Cloud.

Following the path across the fields towards Bunster Hill I can't help but notice the blue sky has been replaced by clouds.

The ascent of Bunster Hill can't be avoided.

Looking back down Bunster Hill as I approach the summit.

Looking across the fields towards Wetton Hill and it looks like some rain might be heading my way.

Having paused to admire the view it is time to head for the summit.

Having reached the summit Dove Dale comes back into view. The strong winds on the summit meant plans to have lunch up there were abandoned and I followed the wall to find a more sheltered spot on the other side of the hill.

Looking across the fields towards Dove Dale and what I think is Sharplow Dale.

Having found a sheltered spot I had lunch looking across the fields towards the pointed Ilamtops Low.

I suspect that in another few weeks these trees will be a wonderful colour.

The tops of Tissington Spires are visible as I follow the track towards Air Cottage.

The view of Thorpe Cloud enjoyed by the residents of Air Cottage.

Following the narrow track through Dovedale Wood.

After a rather slippery descent through Dovedale Wood
I emerge at the foot of Ilam Rock and a view of Pickering Tor.

As I headed back towards Dove Holes I couldn't help but notice that since this morning some trees appeared to have been marked with red paint. Most of them seemed to be dead so maybe they are about to be cut down, one of them is infront of Dove Holes so I guess this view will be changing soon.

 

<<Back to top>>

All pictures copyright © Peak Walker 2006-2023