Thorpe Cloud Walk, Dovedale (Circular): Visiting Guide

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Thrope Cloud, nestled in the tranquil Derbyshire Dovedale valley, stands as a striking and prominent hill, attracting numerous visitors to the Peak District National Park.

In this guide, you’ll find essential information to enhance your visit, ensuring a memorable experience.

Let’s explore the allure of Thorpe Cloud together, where a journey along its path rewards you with breathtaking views!

Getting to Thorpe Cloud

Thorpe Cloud is most easily reached by car. There’s a main car park close to the hill, just a short walk away.

To the best of my knowledge, there aren’t any public transport options to the Dovedale area and Thorpe Cloud at the moment.

Parking around Thorpe Cloud

The Dovedale National Trust Car Park is the top choice and nearest parking spot for Thorpe Cloud.

However, there are also free parking options in the nearby village of Thorpe (at Narlow Lane Car Park) and in Ilam. Keep in mind that parking here means a longer walk.

Dovedale Valley is a favourite spot in the Peak District, so securing a parking space can be challenging. It’s wise to get there early or later in the afternoon to avoid missing out, particularly during the summer holidays.

Dovedale National Trust Car Park (Paid)

• Address: Dovedale Ave, Ashbourne DE6
• Cost: £5 for 4 Hours, £7 for all day, Free for NT Members

For those primarily visiting the Thrope Cloud and nearby areas, a 4-hour stay is typically sufficient.

The car park boasts a large number of spaces and even an overflow area, which is staffed during busy months.

While the car park offers limited amenities, an ice cream and coffee truck is often available on busier days. Public toilets are present but do note there’s a 20p charge per use, accessible via a turnstile.

Thorpe Cloud Walking Map & Route

From the car park, the walk takes you along the River Dove and over the stepping stones. You’ll then circle around the back of Thorpe Cloud, encountering a steep climb to the summit. After reaching the top, you’ll head down, circling the hill and cross a footbridge to return to the car park.

View OS Map Online

Which hiking map app should I use?  I recommend OS Maps Online for its unparalleled accuracy. However, if you’re a beginner, you might find AllTrails to be more user-friendly. For a detailed review of the best UK map apps, read my full review.

If Water levels are High

When the River Dove’s water levels are high, the stepping stones might be submerged, making crossing difficult.

It’s important to look out for any signs or ask other walkers coming back to gauge the situation. If the stepping stones are covered, you can cross using the footbridge near the car park and take the path on the right-hand side of the river, which bypasses the stepping stones entirely.

Path Erosion

Thorpe Cloud is walked by many people each day, leading to erosion control measures being in place. As a result, the paths shown on Ordnance Survey maps don’t always match the permitted routes.

However, the National Trust has clearly marked the main path around the hill with wooden blue stakes to guide you. Be aware of numerous unofficial paths. These are not recommended and are marked with signs warning against their use.

Thorpe Cloud Walk Step by Step – 2.8km (1.8mi) ~ 1hr

1. Start from Dovedale car park, following the tarmac footpath alongside the River Dove.

2. You’ll come across a footbridge on the right. Cross here for an anti-clockwise route or if the river is high. Otherwise, stay left and continue.

3. Soon, you’ll reach the famous Dovedale stepping stones. Cross them to the other side of the river. 

4. Follow the path straight ahead (not through the gate), which curves around the hill and gradually ascends as it skirts the side of the hill.

Note: From here, the route is marked with blue wooden stakes indicating the designated path. Avoid unofficial paths.

5. You’ll arrive at a plateau, offering a nice view of the valley you’ve just hiked through.

6. Continue following the blue stakes. A path leads up the limestone hill, marking the final ascent to Thorpe Cloud’s summit as you approach from the rear.

7. At a large boulder where the path forks, go right. Soon, you’ll reach the ridge and the summit, with views of the River Dove, Dovedale Valley, Bunster Hill, and Ilam Park.

8. After enjoying the view, before heading back down the same way until you reach the bottom section by the stone wall.

9. Follow the path along the wall, passing a derelict stone barn, still following the blue stakes.

10. You’ll return to the River Dove, where a footbridge takes you back to the footpath you started on.

11. Turn left and head back to the car park.

If you have extra time, consider extending your walk to Reynard’s Cave or Milldale. For more details, see my full Dovedale walk article.

Also, think about visiting Ilam Hall, which is managed by the National Trust and run by the YHA. It’s a beautiful hall popular with hikers, families, and school groups and one of the best hostels in the Peak District.

Thorpe Cloud Amenities & Facilities

In the immediate area around Thorpe Cloud, facilities are quite limited, so it’s a good idea to bring everything you might need.

The National Trust car park at Dovedale is equipped with picnic benches and often has an ice cream van or coffee truck on busy days. There’s also a public toilet available, but there’s a 20p charge for using it.

For a local pub, The Old Dog in Thorpe is a great choice. It’s open for food from 12 noon, Wednesday to Sunday, offering burgers, sandwiches, and classic pub grub. The pub boasts a charming atmosphere and plenty of outdoor seating.

If you need more amenities, Ashbourne is the nearest town, just a 10-minute drive away, offering a wider range of facilities.

Thorpe Cloud – FAQs