Ilam Park & Dovedale
WHERE Ilam Park, Ilam, Derbyshire, DE6
2AZ // DISTANCE 5.5 miles (8.8km) // ASCENT 1,276ft (389m) // TERRAIN Good paths and grassy trails
ILAM PARK AND NEIGHBOURING
Dovedale lie in the White Peak, the southern half of the Peak District, where grassy limestone hills have been cut through by the relentless passage of the River Dove to form a deep, sheer-sided gorge. The running is brilliantly varied, with long stretches along a peaceful, flat riverside trail, edged by invitingly craggy fells where tough ascents and technical descents are interspersed with glorious views. This run begins at Ilam and heads across to explore Dovedale, following the river up past the famous stepping stones to Ilam Rock. There’s a good climb through Dovedale Wood before an enjoyable, undulating stretch through limestone countryside returns you to Ilam Park.
THINGS TO SEE // In 1951, the Peak District became the first of Britain’s National Parks, following decades of campaigning for access to open spaces for all. Today, the
Peak District remains true to its original purpose: an accessible area of open spaces and natural beauty. It’s also one of the best places in the country for trail running, networked with hundreds of miles of well-maintained footpaths and bridleways. The character of the running differs with its underlying geology. To the north, the Dark Peak lies on a bedrock of gritstone, giving the area its windswept high fells and prominent edges, while, to the south, the White Peak boasts a landscape of steep limestone valleys, clear streams and open, fast-draining grassland.
THE ROUTE // START/END NATIONAL TRUST ILAM PARK CAR PARK // 1. From the start, follow the footpath away from Ilam, with the car park on your right, heading up into the parkland. Follow the path as it curves to the right to reach the road in Ilam village. Turn right onto the road, then bear left at the triangle. Follow the road as it curves right, then turn left onto a footpath after the buildings on your left. 2. (0.6 miles) Join the main path and turn right, following the path around the hillside and past the Izaak Walton hotel to reach the road and main car park for Dovedale. 3. (1.3 miles) Cross the road and the footbridge over the river and run up Dovedale, with the river on your left. You’ll pass the stepping stones, weirs and several caves. 4. (3 miles) Cross the river over the footbridge and take the footpath opposite, climbing steeply up the hill through Dovedale Wood. At the top of the woodland, follow the footpath left and along the edge of the woods to reach a cottage and farm buildings at Ilam Tops.
5. (4 miles) At the path junction, turn left and follow the footpath south, down Bunster Hill, and continue straight ahead to reach the road just outside Ilam village. Turn right and rejoin your outward route through the village and back to Ilam Park.