loughborough and district group logo

Loughborough & District Group

We are the Loughborough & District Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

Email

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
1 of 0

Overview

From Ilam, we walk to Dovedale and over the famous Stepping Stones (expect queues) before leaving the crowds behind at Thorpe Pasture and walking over the hilltops on the eastern side of the dale, with some good views down below. Coming down to Milldale (refreshment kiosk), we rejoin the crowds for a while before a steep ascent to Ilam Tops, concluding with a more gentle descent to Ilam (tea shop available).

Saturday, 4 October 2025
Start time:
10:00 am
Estimated finish time:
4:00 pm
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Distance:
16.7km / 10.4mi
Ascent:
780m / 2559ft
Type:
circular

The walk goes over access land with some steep ascents and descents and some pathless ground. You will also come across, stiles, gates and other path furniture, hedges, road crossings, muddy/slippery sections, farm livestock & warning signs.  You should remain stay alert and take individual responsibility. Take care and poles.

Please text the leader to let him know if you would like to come and if you can offer or need a lift. Unfortunately it is not feasible to reach Ilam by public transport.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Car parking available
  • Car sharing available

Starting point

Grid reference:
SK 13133 50737
Nearest postcode:
DE6 2AZ
what3words:
debt.smoothly.armrests
Start time:
10:00 am

Ilam car park. Parking £8 a day (free for NT members - don't forget your card).

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking