Photo essay: Exploring Wolfscote Dale in the Peak District

The River Dove is one of the most celebrated and beloved of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s waterways.

It flows generally southwards for some 45 miles from its source on Axe Edge Moor near Buxton to Newton Solney in south Derbyshire where it joins the River Trent.

The stretch of the river from near the village of Hartington to just east of Ilam sees the river pass through three picturesque dales which from north to south are Beresford Dale, Wolfscote Dale and Dovedale.

A birds eye view of the dale from the limestone pinnacles above the section which joins with Biggin Dale Photo: Gary Wallis This month’s beauty spot focuses on the middle of these three dales, Wolfscote Dale, and over the course of this series Beresford Dale and Dove Dale will also be featured.

This dale is one of my personal favourites of the various limestone dales in the southern area of the Peak District, the so-called ‘White Peak’.

In Beresford Dale, the River Dove flows through a ravine which is thick with woodland and best in autumn for the colours, Dovedale contains many interesting limestone features and as it one of the most popular destinations in the Peak District is often very busy.

Wolfscote Dale tends to be quieter than other Peak Distroct spots Photo: Gary Wallis Wolfscote Dale in contrast tends to be much quieter, is more open and wider, includes two caves and again many interesting limestone features.

A walk along the dale is a pleasure at any time of the year but in the spring, it is an absolute delight and hence why I have chosen it for the May edition of the magazine.

Wolfscote Dale tends to be quieter than other Peak District spots Photo: Gary Wallis The walk along the dale following the River Dove on its journey southwards as it cascades over several small waterfalls is a most serene and tranquil way to relax and get away from the daily hustle and bustle of daily life.

For the purposes of this article, I will cover the dale from north to south. The dale is approached by crossing the footbridge at the end of Beresford Lane, then turning right and south into a broad pasture. The valley then narrows and Wolfscote Dale begins.

Frank i’ th’ Rocks cave above Wolfscote Dale Photo: Gary Wallis The first notable feature of the dale is a large limestone cliff to your left which includes a small cave. Access to the cave is gained up a moderately steep grassy bank. The cave is known as Frank i’ th’ Rocks and is believed to have been so named after a hermit who lived there in the 19th century. From the entrance to the cave there is a wonderful view of the dale and the River Dove.

A country lane in autumn above the limestone cliff and cave at the entrance to Wolfscote Dale Photo: Gary Wallis Walking south the footpath runs along the east bank of the river passing a series of charming cascades and crosses a limestone scree field. The limestone crags of Drabber Tor and Peasland Rocks are passed on the opposite (west bank) of the dale before the intersection with Biggin Dale.

This part of the dale is perhaps the most impressive with lofty limestone pinnacles overlooking the dale. Although very steep the banks near these limestone pinnacles offer spectacular shots of the dale and are featured in this article.

A birds eye view of the dale from the limestone pinnacles above the section which joins with Biggin Dale Photo: Gary Wallis There is another small cave here and stepping stones which connect with another footpath which leads to Alstonefield. Biggin Dale leads north-east to the village of Biggin.

From here the ravine is covered with thick woodland and the footpath eventually arrives at Lode Mill and bridge where Wolfscote Dale ends.

For anyone who has not yet enjoyed the delights of Wolfscote Dale I would thoroughly recommend this wonderful beauty spot.

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