PEAK DISTRICT | HIKING | HILL TRAINING | DOVEDALE WALK | DOVEDALE STEPPING STONES WALK | WALKS NEAR ASHBOURNE | WALKS FROM ILAM
Dovedale 3 Hills Hike
A favourite for hill training in the heart of the Peak District
7 MILES, 2,000 FEET ASCENT, 3 HILLS
Ilam Hall START & FINISH
If you’re looking for a route that packs a serious punch without being an all-day epic, this Dovedale 3 Hills loop is a great option. Seven miles, nearly 2,000 feet of climbing, and views that make every aching step completely worth it. With plenty of elevation, this is a fantastic hill training option.
Getting there & parking
Start at Ilam Hall YHA — a beautiful base with a cafe, toilets, and National Trust parking (free for members). From the village, follow the road towards Dovedale and you’ll spot a path heading up towards Bunster Hill. That’s your first climb, and it sets the tone nicely.
If you’re driving directly to Dovedale, there’s a car park with toilets, bins, and a coffee van at busy times — always a welcome sight before or after a big day on the hills.
Heads up — sheep on the trail: Parts of this route, especially around Bunster Hill, run through farmland. Expect sheep in the fields and on the path. Keep dogs on leads and give them plenty of space.
The route
This is a genuinely beautiful circuit that takes in three distinct hills, each with its own character and reward. The ascents are steady but demanding — exactly what you want from a training hike. The descents give you a chance to catch your breath and soak up the scenery before the next climb kicks in.
Click here for the OS route
What to pack
Whether it’s your first hike or your fiftieth, these are the essentials I’d never leave home without:
• Sturdy footwear with good grip — a must on this terrain
• Waterproof jacket, warm fleece, hat & gloves
• High-energy snacks and plenty of water
• Fully charged phone and a battery pack
• Mini first aid kit, whistle & emergency blanket
• Headtorch — just in case
• Personal items and any medication
The Peak District weather can turn quickly, so it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-dressed. Even on a sunny morning, a sharp wind on the summit ridge will remind you why you packed that extra layer.
Most of all — enjoy it. It really is a beauty of a route.