Wolfscote Dale

Walk 13: Wolfscote Dale Wander

A picturesque hike that takes you through two of the Peak District’s finest villages and finishes with a tranquil stroll through the stunning Wolfcote Dale, alongside the River Dove.

Starting from the free layby car park, you will briefly join the Tissington Trail before heading down into Dovedale, crossing the River Dove, and ascending on to Alstonefield. From Alstonefield you head towards Hartington via Beresford Dale, with the final stretch of the walk taking you through Wolfscote Dale.

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Essentials

  • Distance: 10 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Minimum Duration: 4 hrs
  • Refreshments: PubCafe
  • Route: Download .gpx file
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 15688 56341

Parking

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

Weather

Derbyshire, UK

Route Map

Guidance

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Safety First

Please do not rely on this walking guide to solely navigate the hike. Always take a paper map and compass with you and make sure you know how to use them. Hiking is generally safe, but there are always potential risks. Use common sense, plan your route beforehand and make a reasonable judgment at all times.

Directions


  1. Leave the lay-by at the northern end and cross the road. Go through the gate and walk up the grassy slope to the Tissington Trail, turning left on the trail heading south.
  2. After about 400 meters, take the footpath after the bridge on the right heading down the bank. Pass through two gates near the underside of the bridge.
  3. Follow the marker posts (Bradbury Bank), uphill at first, and then descending towards the wood in the valley ahead. Go through a stile, heading downhill along the side of the bank. At the valley floor, turn sharp left proceeding down the valley with a wall on your right (note that the path has recently changed to the other side of the wall).
  4. Continuing down the valley, cross a stile as the terrain becomes rockier. Upon reaching the River Dove, turn right and cross the Coldeaton footbridge to the left.
  5. Head up the steep hillside until reaching a gate at the top. Head through the gate and follow the track for about 1 mile until reaching Alstonefield.
  6. Pass through Alstonefield and turn right at Beresford Lane. After about 100 meters you will meet Rakes Road near an old white water pump. Continue left heading out of Alstonefield along Rakes Road for about half a mile until reaching a stile in the wall on the right.
  7. Head through the stile and follow the path over the field.
  8. At the track, continue forward through the next field until reaching Narrowdale Farm.
  9. Turn right at the farm and follow the track for about three-quarters mile until reaching Beresford Lane.
  10. Turn right at Beresford Lane and after about 50 meters turn left and walk through Beresford Dale, following the River Dove.
  11. Continue on the path for 1 mile until reaching Hartington.
  12. Continue through Hartington village passing the Devonshire Arms on the right.
  13. Turn right at Hall Bank Road heading up the steep hill.
  14. After about 150 meters, turn right down Reynalds Lane. Follow Reynalds Lane for about 1 mile.
  15. Take the track heading right, back down to the River Dove.
  16. Upon reaching the River Dove, pass through the stile and follow the path alongside the river for about 2 miles. Savor the beautiful rock formations of Wolfscote Dale.
  17. You will eventually meet Coldeaton footbridge again. Pass the brick building on the left and retrace your steps back up to the lay-by.
  • River Dove
  • Derbyshire Dales
  • Snowdrops
  • Water pump
  • Derbyshire scenery
  • Copse of trees
  • Gated stile
  • Wetton Hill
  • Old car
  • Abandoned barn
  • Derbyshire Dales
  • Derbyshire Dales

Questions or comment about this route? Leave them in the comments section below.

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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