From the pretty village of Alstonefield head down through meadow fields into Dovedale. Follow the picturesque river with caves to explore, past Ilam rock and back through hidden Hall Dale.
Distance – 8 km
Food – in Milldale there is a great little cafe “hole in the wall” that sells, sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes, ice-creams and hot & cold drinks
Toilets – public toilets in Alstonefield and Milldale
Parking – There are several car parks in Altonefield.
Note- make sure you have maps (this route is not a replacement for a map/gps), suitable clothing, food, water and first aid kit. Always be prepared for changes in the weather and circumstances.
The Route
From your choice of carpark in Alstonefield head towards the village church. Follow the lane that passes round past the church with the church on your right. Take the first path off to the right past the church.
The path heads through beautiful meadow grasses and then heads down hill under some power lines. This is a very steep downhill, take care. Towards the bottom of the hill go through a gate and down a narrow little path that takes you to the road.
When you hit the road turn right and you pass the little take away cafe on the right. It’s nice to sit by the river and enjoy your picnic and watch the ducks.
To continue your walk head over the stone bridge to your right as you look at the river. Bear right onto a well marked track so that the river is on your right.
This is a lovely walk along Dovedale. Watch out for the caves up to your left which are great to explore, take extreme care as they can be very slippy.
After exploring the caves continue along the valley until you reach a wooden bridge on your right under Ilam Rock, you may see people climbing the rock.
Cross the bridge and turn right. Follow this path until you get to a signpost to the left down Hall Dale. This is a lovely valley that feels hidden away from the world!
Keep following the footpath straight ahead as the valley opens up, cross a couple of stiles and you come out into a lane.
Turn left on the lane and you come to a road junction, take the right hand lane that leads past a few farms on the right. This walled track then heads down hill and gets narrower as it comes to a road (that takes you to Mill Dale).
Cross the road and almost directly in front is a signpost taking you up the hill opposite. There are often free ranging cows in this field to watch for. Follow the path uphill until you come to a gate. Head through the gate and follow the footpath through the fields, you can see the church you passed at the start of the walk over to your right. The path comes to a track which takes you back into the pretty village of Alstonefield.
Just A Normal Mum 