16. Dovedale 22nd june 2013

We drove in from Thorpe heading west and parked on the roadside layby just before Ilam. The path as you can see on the map heads up across the fields south of Bunster Hill to the river Dove. Absolutely stunning scenery especially on a summer day, trouble is everybody has the same idea so as you walk along the dale it does feel like you are on your way to a Dovedale Rovers football match. Although there was a queue to go across the stepping stones they were selling fast track tickets for people in a hurry or just running out of patience. Milldale was the turning point for us, we had planned to go back along the river again but this time on the other side. We had a bit of trouble finding the path out of Milldale as it was overgrown with nettles and brambles just to the left of the toilet block. The path took us high above the river and milling crowds, this was more like it! We reached the top and had our sandwiches, tea then finishing off with a tunnocks chocolate biscuit ( Julie’s favourite!)and a generous slug of Highland Earl from me hip flask( that’s just me… have another biscuit Julie !). Down and back into Ilam, quick look round the Hall, back to the car and… relax! (not you Julie… you’re driving!)