Dove Dale, Ilam, Alstonfield and Milldale, 18th May 2024

In glorious sunshine, Scott's walk explored the high limestone country between Dove Dale and the Manifold.  Starting at the National Trust car park in Dove Dale, we crossed behind the Isaac Walton Hotel to drop down through Ilam to reach the Manifold which we followed for a mile.  The first climb of a strenuous day took us to the highest point (302m) just beyond Castern Hall and was followed by a steep descent into Hopedale and another climb up to Alstonfield for lunch.  Only a few walkers were encountered in the morning but, after returning to the River Dove at Milldale, we had to dodge through the crowds to reach the start.

National Trust's annual event for mausers - to be avoided in future if you value your hearing

Grade II listed Memorial Cross

Church of the Holy Cross, Ilam

Ilam School, one of many fine, listed buildings in a similar style in Ilam

Ilam Hall, now a Youth Hostel

A lot of the Manifold flows from Whetton Mill, under Ilam Country Park and emerges here, leaving the upper river bed higher up the valley dry 

Castern Hall being renovated

Steep descent into Hopedale

St Peter's Church, Alstonfield

Viators Bridge, Milldale

Reynard's Cave high up on the left bank of Dove Dale. Excavations in 1959 indicated that the cave was used as a temporary shelter during the Neolithic, Roman and Medieval periods

Boardwalks in Dove Dale

The stepping stones were "closed" today so we had to take an alternative, tricky route alongside the river

9.5 miles