Peak District visitors warned not to cross Dovedale stepping stones – with repairs taking place at popular tourist attraction after storm damage
Peak District visitors have been urged not to cross the popular stepping stones at Dovedale – with the iconic landmark facing repairs after being damaged during a storm.
The National Trust said that one of the stepping stones at Dovedale had been dislodged and a “large amount of debris remains” in place – with the crossing left “unsafe” after a period of heavy rain over recent months.
A National Trust spokesperson said: “One of the stepping stones at Dovedale became dislodged after heavy rain over the winter months, making the route unsafe.
“Derbyshire County Council, who are responsible for the care of the stones, are aware of situation. Signage is in place to advise visitors that the stones are not safe to use.”
Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for potholes, highways and transport, Councillor Charlotte Hill, confirmed that repairs would take place over the “next couple of months” – with the authority waiting for the River Dove’s water levels to decrease.
Hill echoed the calls from the National Trust for walkers to avoid using the stepping stones. There is a bridge a short walk downstream from the stepping stones that offers a safe route for those wanting to cross the river.
The stepping stones were laid back in the 1890s, and underwent repairs after damage was caused by Storm Babet in 2023, before reopening to the public again the following year.