Skip to content

Peak District: River levels prevent Dovedale steps repairs at beauty spot

National Trust Debris on the stepping stones on 22 October, shortly after Storm BabetNational Trust
Debris washed down the river and collected on the stepping stones, shown here on 22 October

Repairs on Dovedale's stepping stones have not started due to river levels.

Two of the stepping stones, in the Peak District, had been "toppled over" by debris which was washed down the River Dove during Storm Babet in October.

After the damage, the National Trust, which owns the land, warned people not to use the steps and said it might be spring before they could be repaired.

Derbyshire County Council, which will be carrying out the work, said it was waiting for conditions to improve.

PA Media Dovedale stepping stones on a sunny dayPA Media
The Dovedale stepping stones are one of the Peak District's most popular landmarks

The stepping stones normally allow people to walk across the River Dove.

They are on National Trust land but they form part of a public right of way and are therefore maintained by Derbyshire County Council.

The council spokesperson added: "Unfortunately river levels remain high which means we will have to wait to reset the stones but we will do this when conditions improve.

"We're sorry for any disappointment, but hope visitors understand the need to ensure the stones and access are safe.

"We will let people know when we are in a position to carry out the work."

It is not uncommon for the stones to be submerged during periods of heavy rainfall and the stones have also been dislodged before, including in July 2012 and 2016.

Presentational grey line

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.