The Peak District, with its stunning landscape, is a favourite among experienced hikers and casual walkers alike. However, its popularity often leads to overcrowding at certain spots, especially during summertime.
Dovedale, renowned for its picturesque stepping stones, is one such example. But a TikTok user has discovered a quieter alternative that offers similar scenic beauty with virtually no crowds.
Sam Culley shared his hiking experience through Wolfscote Dale on social media, describing it as “a bit like Dovedale but a lot quieter.”
The trail boasts “little waterfalls, great bridges and big peaks” along the way.
He suggests starting the hike from the village of Hartington, which is about a 90-minute drive from Greater Manchester.
The trail begins behind the public toilets in Hartington, leading through a field to a bridge at Beresford Dale, which Sam describes as “really nice in itself”. The trail continues across another bridge and a field before reaching Wolfscote Dale, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Situated in the White Peak, Wolfscote Dale features an “awesome cave” that can be climbed, although Sam warns it’s slippery. The climb, however, rewards with stunning views over the River Dove.
The track can be followed for a few miles, with opportunities for a riverside picnic along the way. For those seeking a longer walk, Sam recommends adding Dovedale to the itinerary, or looping back to Hartington.
One viewer of his video remarked: “Ooo I do love Dovedale, just hate how busy it can be, so definitely going to look for this route on my Alltrail app.”
The route has also received glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. One user penned: “Quieter than Dovedale, but with all the charm.”
Another chimed in: “Understated, beautiful Derbyshire Dale. Less dramatic than Dovedale but far fewer crowds.”
A third enthused: “Absolutely beautiful place! We were lucky to walk down Wolfscote Dale on a beautiful summer’s day and bizarrely we did not see another person.”