Walk 38: Alstonefield to Milldale

This scenic circular hike offers an immersive experience of White Peak village charm and the natural beauty of Dovedale, making it perfect for those who want to explore both the rural heritage and scenic splendor of the Peak District.

Starting near the A515, the route takes you briefly along the Tissington Trail, past the striking Iron Tors, and up toward Alstonefield. After optional refreshments, continue through Stanshope, descend into the picturesque Hall Dale, and make your way up Dovedale to Milldale. For the final stretch, follow the River Dove, then retrace your steps up Bradbury Bank, returning to the layby.

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Walk Details

  • Distance: 14.5 km (9 mi)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Minimum Duration: 4 hrs
  • Refreshments: Pub Cafe
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 15688 56341
  • W3W: preoccupied.clots.cries
  • Elevation Gain: 357m (1171ft)
  • Route: Download .gpx file
About difficulty
  • Easy: Mostly flat terrain, suitable for beginners and families.
  • Moderate: Some hills and uneven ground, requires a basic level of fitness.
  • Hard: Steep climbs, rough terrain, suitable for experienced walkers with good fitness.

Start Point

Free parking is available at A515 lay-by, DE6 1QS.

Get directions to this location

Weather

Derbyshire, UK

Route Map

Directions

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Safety First

Each route offers an overview only. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Plan ahead, use common sense, and expect some risk. GPX files are recommended for support, but don’t rely on them as devices can fail. Actual distances are often longer than stated.

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Download Route File (.gpx)
  • Starting Point: Leave the lay-by at the northern end, cross the A515 road, and go through the gate. Head up the grassy slope to join the Tissington Trail, turning left to head south.
  • First Detour: After about 400 meters, take the footpath to the right, just after the bridge, and follow it down the bank. Pass through two gates near the underside of the bridge.
  • Bradbury Bank Path: Follow the marker posts for Bradbury Bank, going uphill at first, then descending toward the wood in the valley ahead. Go through a stile and continue downhill along the side of the bank. Upon reaching the valley floor, turn sharply left to follow the valley, keeping a wall on your right (note that the path has recently changed to the opposite side of the wall).
  • Short River Section: Continue down the valley and cross a stile as the terrain gets rockier. Upon reaching the River Dove, turn right and cross Coldeaton footbridge on the left.
  • Steep Climb and Alstonefield: Head up the steep hillside until reaching a gate at the top. Go through the gate and follow the track for about 1 mile until you arrive at Alstonefield. Walk through Alstonefield and turn left at the green, heading down toward St Peter’s Church.
  • Field and Road Descent: Take the path to the right of the vicarage, crossing the field with Alstonefield Manor on your right. At the gated stile, turn left and descend toward the road (Hope Dale Hollow) in the valley.
  • Toward Stanshope: Cross the road and continue up on the track for about 1 mile until you reach Stanshope. Pass through Stanshope, then take the track on the left at the village’s edge for about 100 meters.
  • Hall Dale and Dovedale Descent: Take the gated stile, cross the fields, and follow the descent through Hall Dale into Dovedale. Upon reaching the river, turn right and follow it to the bridge near Ilam Rock.
  • Continuing to Milldale: Cross the bridge, turn left up Dovedale, and continue for about 1 1/4 miles to Milldale.
  • Milldale to Lode Mill and Return: From Milldale, continue along the river following the road to Lode Mill. After crossing the bridge, leave the road and follow the river back toward the Iron Tors, near the start of the hike. Retrace your steps up the dale for about 1 mile back to the lay-by.

Created: 28/10/24. Updated: 28/01/26

Leigh Walker

View posts by Leigh Walker
Hi I'm Leigh, the creator Walk In Derbyshire. I've been walking in the Peak District National Park for over 30 years and have a huge passion for connecting with nature and hiking in the outdoors. I write up the all the walks for Walk In Derbyshire and am also the lead on our group hikes.

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