Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
6 peaceful alternatives to Dovedale in the Peak District
May 28, 2026Archives
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Swap the crowds for these beautiful Peak District walks
Dovedale is one of the Peak District’s most famous walks, and for good reason. The stepping stones, the easy riverside path, the beautiful scenery and all those perfect picnic spots make it an easy favourite.
But popularity comes at a price. On a sunny day, Dovedale can get very busy, which can take away a little of that peaceful Peak District magic.
If you’re looking for quieter Peak District walks with water, lovely views and a little more space to breathe, here are six tried-and-tested alternatives to Dovedale that we often recommend to guests. Some have stepping stones, some are better for families, and one is a brilliant accessible option - but all of them make a wonderful day out.
And if you’re planning a walking break, our log cabins, glamping pods and even the vintage bow-top wagon makes a peaceful base for exploring the Derbyshire and White Peak dales, tucked away between Ashbourne, Bakewell and Matlock.
Our favourite alternatives to the Dovedale walk
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Chee Dale stepping stones

If you love the idea of stepping stones but not the crowds at Dovedale, Chee Dale is a great place to start. You begin with lovely views over the rolling farmland of the White Peak before dropping into a dramatic limestone gorge that feels wonderfully tucked away. The route is a little more adventurous underfoot than Dovedale, and the stepping stones run alongside the River Wye rather than across it, which makes this one feel a bit different too.
About the route: Circular route on rougher paths. Around 4 miles, with quite a bit of up and down. Best for stepping stones and a slightly more adventurous walk.
How to get there from Hoe Grange: For this version of the route, park in Topley Pike lay-by near Blackwell Mill, about a 25-minute drive from the farm.
Explore the full route from Walk Peak District.
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Hathersage stepping stones

If you’re after a family-friendly stepping stones walk, Hathersage is a lovely choice. It’s an easy-going day out with a relaxed pace, and the village itself is well worth a wander too. A promise of a café stop can work wonders for little legs, and you still get beautiful scenery, with Stanage Edge in the background and the gentle sound of the River Derwent beside you.
About the route: Circular route with no stiles, though it is not pram-friendly. About 3.3 miles, with 41m of elevation gain. Best for families and a gentler stepping stones walk.
How to get there from Hoe Grange: The starting point in Hathersage is about a 40-minute drive from the farm.
Explore the full route from Peak District Kids.
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Wolfscote Dale and Beresford Dale

If you want the limestone scenery of Dovedale but with a quieter, more open feel, this is a wonderful alternative. Expect big views, riverside sections, little waterfalls and plenty of that classic White Peak beauty. There’s even a cave to peer into along the way, which gives the walk an added sense of adventure.
About the route: Circular route, mostly flat on gravel paths. Around 5.9 miles with 155m of elevation gain. Best for limestone dale scenery and a quieter feel.
How to get there from Hoe Grange: The route starts in nearby Hartington, just a 17-minute drive from the farm.
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
Explore the full route from Walk My World.
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Lathkill Dale

This is one of our personal favourite river walks in the Peak District when we want somewhere calm and beautiful. You get a lovely mix of water, woodland, cascades and a small waterfall, and the whole dale has a peaceful feel that makes you want to slow down. I first went there on a primary school trip and ended up writing some truly awful poetry about the dappled sunshine and dragonflies on the water – but it really is that sort of place.
About the route: Circular route using footpaths and a few minor roads. Around 7.2 miles with 180m of elevation gain. Best for a peaceful riverside walk and a quieter day out.
How to get there from Hoe Grange: This version of the route starts at Monyash, about a 20-minute drive from Hoe Grange, though you can also begin at Over Haddon.
Explore the full route from Walk My World.
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Padley Gorge and the Longshaw Estate

This one is perfect if you want woodland shade, a stream to paddle in and plenty of picnic spots. It can be busier than some of the quieter dales, but people tend to spread out, so it still feels relaxed. If you’re after a family-friendly Peak District walk where children can splash, clamber and play, Padley Gorge is always a good option.
About the route: Circular route with flat, even paths around the estate and unsurfaced footpaths down by the river. There are some stiles and a short section of steep steps. About 2.3 miles. Best for families, picnics and paddling.
How to get there from Hoe Grange: Park at the National Trust Longshaw Estate, about a 40-minute drive from Hoe Grange.
Explore the full route from the National Trust.
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
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Miles without Stiles route along the Manifold Way

If you’re looking for a more accessible Peak District river walk, the National Park’s Miles without Stiles route along the Manifold Way is a brilliant alternative to Dovedale. It’s easy to follow, easy to shorten or extend, and there are no stepping stones or rocky scrambles to worry about. The River Manifold twists through the valley beautifully, and you can spot the dramatic outline of Thor’s Cave on the hillside. There’s a lovely sensory trail here too, which makes it an especially thoughtful option for a wide range of visitors.
About the route: An easy there-and-back route on a surfaced path suitable for prams and wheelchairs, with no stiles and very few hills. Around 2.8km each way if you do the full length. Best for access and a gentler riverside outing.
How to get there from Hoe Grange: Both ends of the trail are about a 30-minute drive from Hoe Grange.
Explore the full route from the Peak District National Park.
How to dodge the crowds if you do head to Dovedale

If you do still want to visit Dovedale, a little planning can make all the difference. Here are our top tips for a quieter experience:
- Go early or later in the day – it feel completely different before 10am or after 4pm
- Avoid weekends and school holidays if you can – a sunny weekday has a very different feel
- Take a picnic and allow yourself time to linger – it’s much more enjoyable than a quick photo stop
Whether you choose stepping stones, a shady streamside wander or a peaceful limestone dale, we hope this gives you a few new ideas for your next Peak District walk. If you try one of these routes on your next stay, do let us know which one you picked. We always love hearing about our guests’ adventures!
And if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful to come back to after a day out, Hoe Grange Holidays offers award-winning, eco-friendly accommodation on our working farm, including self-catering log cabins, glamping pods and a vintage bow-top gypsy caravan for two. It’s a lovely base for walkers who want to explore the Peak District at a gentler pace.
-Caroline







