If you’re a solo hiker wanting to begin your journey or a family seeking an easy route to get the children active, this beautiful walk, located just 40 minutes from Derby in the heart of the Peak District, might be exactly what you need.

Hiking offers excellent exercise, and doing so surrounded by nature can provide significant mental health benefits as well. But searching for walks in the Peak District can frequently feel daunting, as numerous routes appear to be demanding ascents unsuitable for first-time solo adventurers or families hoping to enjoy some outdoor time together.

However, one walk highlighted on social media has been praised as the “perfect solo starter hike”, allowing you to venture out independently or accompany less seasoned walkers.

Posted by the She Strolls account on TikTok, which frequently features walking routes across the UK, the Dovedale Walk guides you through the breathtaking Dovedale valley, including across the “iconic” stepping stones that enable you to traverse the River Dove.

In her video, the woman behind the account said: “The perfect solo starter hike; this is Dovedale. Iconic stepping stones, caves, walkways, and unreal views the whole way through. Keep it flat or climb higher for [better] views.”

According to the Let’s Go Peak District website, the Dovedale Walk is a circular route measuring six miles in length and should take approximately three to four hours to complete.

The route encompasses country lanes, field paths, woodland tracks and trails, with some uneven ground, gates, stiles and, naturally, the famous stepping stones to navigate, meaning it may not be appropriate for all walkers.

The stepping stones pose no significant danger and ought to be manageable for children, though parents should exercise caution when bringing youngsters on the walk, as very small children might require carrying across, and the route is not accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

The circular route leads you alongside the River Dove and across the grassy hillsides of Hall Dale before winding through the “picture-perfect” village of Ilam, where walkers can pause for refreshments at the pub or grab something to eat in the tea room.

A description of the walk reads: “This beautiful Dovedale Walk takes in the most breathtaking views of this stunning part of the Peak District. It crosses the famous stepping stones in Dovedale, walks on shady paths alongside the River Dove as it cuts between towering limestone crags, tracks through the grassy slopes of Hall Dale, strewn with wildflowers, and passes through the picture-perfect village of Ilam, before returning to the start point in Dovedale.

“Although there are magnificent views along the way, this route does not feel like a tough one and is a great one for the whole family to enjoy, maybe with a picnic en route.”

The walking route starts from the National Trust Dovedale Car Park, and if you’re planning to drive to Dovedale and use the car park facility, you’ll be required to pay for parking.

The car park tends to become rather congested during busy periods, so it’s recommended you arrive early if you wish to guarantee a parking spot.

Users commenting on the TikTok video were swift to commend the walk for its stunning scenery, while others who haven’t yet experienced it mentioned they would be giving it a go during their next visit to the region.

One individual commented: “Yeah, I agree, one of the best for a new solo walker.”

Another contributed: “One of my favourite ever places, I absolutely love it there.”

For additional details on the Dovedale Walk, visit the Let’s Go Peak District website.