Secret Dovedale Walk

On Sunday 6^th October we took a Secret Walk through Dovedale as part of the Great British Walk.

Starting at Milldale we crossed over Viators Bridge then heard about the history of fishing in the dale from local expert Tony Bridgedd, then walked along the valley beside the river Dove. The children ticked off ‘make a grass trumpet’ on the 50 Things list and then we stopped by Ravenstor, where geologist Mike Allen showed the children and adults where to look for fossils, the remains of the marine environment that existed 350 million years ago! That ticked off another on the 50 Things list, ‘hunt for fossils and bones’. Simon the Ranger pointed out some dippers on the river, before our exploration into Dove Holes – caves created by water a long time ago. Then it was up hill, through nettles, over stones and past trees and fungi, up to the top of The Nabs, where we all stopped to look at the amazing views. From there, it was along the tops of the hills then down towards Milldale using the old packhorse route. We were greeted by homemade cakes and drinks at the end of the walk, the chocolate cake was a hit with the children, and everyone enjoyed a sit down by the river. 

Thank you to everyone who came along to discover a new part of Dovedale, there is nothing better than a walk in the Peak District on a sunny Sunday afternoon!

Find out more about 50 things to do before you're 11 3/4 by going to the website: www.50things.org.uk