Ilam - Blore - Mapleton - Ilam

Paul John Bridgett

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The main route of this walk is mostly not difficult, with no really steep climbs or descents. The outward route is made more tricky by the need to pass through gateways, some of which require lifting to open, as there are few stiles.

Some sections follow a route where it is necessary to pass though gateways as there are no available stiles. Some being tied with some interesting knots, remember to close them after you.

The route passes from Ilam Hall, now partly used as a YHA hostel the rest run by the National Trust and Okeover Hall a private Mansion House, crossing the river Dove at Okeover Bridge into the village of Mapleton. Returning by easy riverside paths, without any serious climbs, though possibly with some boggy sections.

The pub used on this walk is the Okeover Arms, in Mapleton. This is a quite large pub with quite austere furnishing, perhaps fitting as it was for a while in the 1920’s and Temperance Hotel, now only opening at lunchtimes on Saturday and Sundays and not at all on Monday or Tuesdays. They offer a good value menu with reasonable portions though the pub is becoming popular and unreserved meals are subject to availability, not usually a problem for early arrivals. Also offering a choice of interesting real ales on hand pumps, with Black Sheep Bitter and Hook Norton’s Old Hooky offered on last visit. Outside there are several bench tables on a grassy area beside the car park, though there are signs displayed warning about eating your own food.

England - Central England - Staffordshire - Peak District

Features

Birds, Church, Flowers, National Trust, Pub, River, Tea Shop, Toilets

20/04/2019 - MARIAN THOMAS

Lovely varied walk, we did this walk on a bank holiday and although Ilam and Dove Dale was heaving with crowds of people, we met few walkers on the route. Wonderful views on the outward stretch and the climbs were fairly easy, we had some navigation problems at stages 9, 10 and 11 but sorted out our route from the map. Ovekover Hall and park was attractive and food at the pub at Mappleton was great. The track back along the banks of the River Dove was enjoyable. Highly recommended.

22/12/2015 - Carol Kingshott

Walked this in December 15. At WP13 approaching the farm the only way marker points you right through the farm on a track, but you need to go ahead through the gateway as indicated in the narrative. The way marker at WP 14 is also missing.

17/04/2011 - Caroline Johnson

Lovely walk with some hills to climb at the beginning rewarded with fabulous views and a riverside stroll on the way back. Two dog-proof stiles en route and several very narrow squeeze stiles which might be a problem for larger dogs. Signage has improved since we first did the walk a couple of years ago and the way is now very clear. Okeover Arms under new management, very dog/walker friendly, well kept beer and excellent chips!

11/09/2006 - karl noon

Great walk, lovely scenery. First part of walk uphill but not too bad, then plain sailing from there on in. Some nice places to stop for a coffee along the river on the homeward stretch. Would recommend.