Dove Holes are a series of three impressive caves beside the River Dove. They were formed around 350 million years ago by glacial meltwater. It’s great fun climbing up into the caves but take care as the rocks are slippery.

Jane Sherwin

June 4, 2022

Hiking

Dove Holes are shallow and easy to access and explore from the path. They were formed during the 2 ice ages by glacial water erosion, the caves became dry as the water cut deeper into the gorge (Dovedale Wikipedia).

According to 'Lets Go PeakDistrict' These caves have seen human inhabitation since 13,000BC, when the first Upper Paleolithic hunters used them for shelter. In more recent history, there is evidence that Neolithic farmers used the caves as tombs about 4,500 years ago. Some of the items found from within the caves are displayed in Buxton Museum.

Tom

May 8, 2021

Hiking

Impressive Cave by the River Dove, if you are lucky you may get to spot a few climbers scaling the ceilings.

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Best routes to Dove Holes Caves

4.6

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1,047

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1. Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

12.9km

03:41

280m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(206)

917

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2. Dove Dale, Mill Dale & Hall Dale loop

11.5km

03:26

330m

Hike the moderate 7.2-mile Dove Dale, Mill Dale & Hall Dale loop in Peak District National Park, featuring stepping stones and limestone sce

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Moderate

4.4

(32)

106

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3. Dovedale and Tissington Trail Loop

15.5km

04:27

370m

Hike the 9.6-mile Dovedale and Tissington Trail Loop, a moderate route through the Peak District's dramatic gorges and charming villages.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 210 m

Weather

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Thursday 5 March

16°C

4°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Newton Grange CP, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire, East Midlands, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Milldale

Ilam Rock

High Peak Trail

Fishpond Bank

Polly's Cottage Café

Hartington Village Pump

Throwley Old Hall Ruins

F. A. Holmes Memorial Plaque on Lion Face Rock

The Old Dog

Thorpe Cloud Summit

Wishing Tree Stump with Coins

St Leonard's Church

Dove Holes Caves

1. Dovedale loop to Milldale from Ilam — Peak District National Park

2. Dove Dale, Mill Dale & Hall Dale loop

3. Dovedale and Tissington Trail Loop

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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