The picturesque narrow stone bridge in Milldale has been in use since the Medieval period, when it was crossed by a packhorse route used for transporting fabrics from the mills at nearby Wetton and Alstonefield. It is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Its name was coined by Izaak Walton, who called himself ‘Viator’, Latin for traveller, in The Compleat Angler, and referred to the bridge as being so narrow that ‘a mouse can hardly go over it.’ letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk/listing/dovedale

The area next to the bridge features a lovely grassy river bank and seating, perfect for a spot of relaxation.

Rob Bryant

July 6, 2025

Hiking

Very picturesque.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Routes here

Best routes to Viator's Bridge

4.7

(135)

1,566

hikers

1. Dove Holes Caves – Dovedale Stepping Stones loop from Alstonefield

10.3km

02:47

140m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(36)

394

hikers

2. Dove Holes Caves – Milldale loop from Blore with Swinscoe

20.1km

05:42

430m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.7

(31)

179

hikers

3. Thorpe Cloud – Wolfscote Dale loop from Hartington Town Quarter CP

27.2km

07:51

630m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 180 m

Weather

Today

Monday 9 February

8°C

5°C

32 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

Add now

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Dove Holes Caves

Dovedale Wood

Dovedale

Stepping Stones and Bridge over the River Dove

Thor's Cave

Mill Dale Caves

Biggin Dale

Tissington Trail

Ilam Hall

Natural Weir on the River in Peak District National Park

View Over Milldale

Wetton Hill Summit

Viator's Bridge

1. Dove Holes Caves – Dovedale Stepping Stones loop from Alstonefield

2. Dove Holes Caves – Milldale loop from Blore with Swinscoe

3. Thorpe Cloud – Wolfscote Dale loop from Hartington Town Quarter CP

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️