Hartington - The Dales of the River Dove Walk

Start your walk at the three-pointed signpost by the bus stop in the centre of Hartington village. Walk south along Mill Lane, passing the Charles Cotton Hotel on your right. Immediately after the Hartington Farm Shop & Cafe, turn left and follow the footpath that runs between the Farm Shop and the toilets.

Go through a gate and follow the clear path out across fields, with beautiful views all around. On reaching a second gate at a crossroads of paths, go straight on and immediately through a third gate ahead to continue over fields. Follow the well sign posted path to eventually reach a further gate in a stone wall which leads into Morson Wood and Beresford Dale.

Follow the clear path through woodland, soon meeting up with the River Dove which runs to your right. Cross the river by way of a pretty footbridge to enter the area known as Pike Pool. Look out for the distinctive limestone column rising up out of the water immediately after the bridge. Continue along the path, now with the River Dove on your left, through beautiful Beresford Dale.

On reaching a T-junction of paths, turn left and cross the river again by way of a further footbridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge turn right and follow the clear path across fields. Go straight on through two gates to enter Wolfscote Dale, with the River Dove again on your right.

Follow the clear path through Wolfscote Dale, always with the river to your right and towering cliffs on both sides. Watch out for buzzards soaring above and dippers in the river. After approx 1.2 miles (2 km), turn left at a prominent three-pointed signpost to enter Biggin Dale (signposted to Biggin). Follow the clear path through Biggin Dale, through a succession of wide gates.

Be aware that the terrain is uneven here and the limestone rocks underfoot can be slippery, particularly when wet, so do take care. After approx 1.2 miles (2 km)look out for a three-pointed wooden signpost at the end of a stone wall on your left. Turn left and follow the path signposted to Hartington.

The path forks at a signpost after approx 150m. Bear left and head uphill to follow the bridleway indicated by the blue arrow. Go through a wide gate at the top of the slope to join a path that runs between stone walls on either side. Follow this clear path for approx half a mile (900m), over a couple of low stiles, until you reach a crossroads of paths. D Go straight on at the crossroads of paths, following the sign to Hartington and joining a narrow country lane (Reynards Lane), again with stone walls on either side.

There are magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. Keep following Reynards Lane, ignoring footpaths and tracks off to the side, for approx three quarters of a mile (1.2 km). At a T-junction with another lane (Hall Bank), turn left and walk downhill back into Hartington. When you reach the crossroads, turn left and return to the centre of the village from where you began your walk.