Lover’s Leap Circular Walk

The Lover’s Leap Circular is a great adventure along the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border that takes you through the Dovedale National Nature Reserve to experience some of the best highlights in the Peak District. While out on this trail, you will pass by the unique limestone hill known as Thorpe Cloud, cross a series of stepping stones that span the River Dove, and of course visit the lookout known as Lover’s Leap. There is a lot to unpack on this route, so what are you waiting for?
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Route Description for Lover’s Leap Circular Walk
With the majority of the Lover’s Leap Circular passing through the ultra-scenic landscape of Dovedale National Nature Reserve, it is little wonder that it is such a popular walking destination for walkers of every skill level. Setting out from the car park, the trail follows alongside the flowing River Dove under the shadow of Thorpe Cloud and crosses over to the opposite bank via a series of stepping stones that were installed during the Victorian Era when travel here really began to boom. From there, continue along the edge of the water and take in the breathtaking views of the dale before you arrive at the steps leading up to the lookout called Lover’s Leap.
After taking in the views of lower Dovedale, continue north to pass by a series of limestone caves and the imposing Ilam Rock, before crossing over to the other side of the river. After climbing uphill, make your way south through the forest to skirt around the edge of Bunster Hill and eventually arrive back at the car park where you began.
Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park
Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.
Getting to the Lover’s Leap Circular Walk Trailhead
To reach the car park for the Lover’s Leap Circular from Thorpe, drive north on Thorpe Road for 1.3 km and turn right to continue towards Dovedale for 0.5 km. Make a right turn to arrive at the car park.
Route Information
Lover’s Leap Circular Walk Elevation Graph
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Nearby Trails
- Wolfscote and Biggin Dale Circular Walk
- Hartington Short Circular
- Hartington to Wolfscote Dale
- Lover’s Leap and Dove Hole Walk
- Pilsbury Castle and Tissington Trail
- Pilsbury Castle via Upper Dove Valley Circular Walk
- River Dove Circular Walk
- Birchover and Stanton Moor Walk
- Manifold Track Circular Walk
- Thorpe Cloud Walk
- Dovedale Walk
- Thor’s Cave and The Manifold Valley