As we're based in Derbyshire, we couldn't resist making the Peak District the topic of our first blog post! We headed to one of the region's most gorgeous spots, Dovedale. It has everything little explorers could ask for: stepping stones, shallow water to paddle in, ducks to feed, rocks and fossils to investigate, and hills that are unquestionably enormous mountains when you’re three.
Starting with the famous stepping stones
No visit to Dovedale would be complete without crossing its famous stepping stones.
For grown-ups, it’s a short crossing over the River Dove. For small children, it’s a daring expedition requiring bravery, concentration, and a conveniently placed adult hand. We still carry our small three-year-old over the stones, as some of the gaps between them are a little wide for him.
The stones can become busy, so there’s no need to rush. Watching the water flow between them, cheering each successful step, and waiting for ducks to move out of the way is all part of the fun.
Paddling, fish spotting, and duck negotiations
On warm days, the river is far too tempting to admire from the bank.
Bring water shoes for your little ones as the river is stony underfoot, and take care to stay in the shallow sections (which are numerous). The water is clear as glass and, if you're lucky, you'll spot some fish.
There are also plenty of ducks along the way, and they're not shy once they spot your picnic! Our little one was so excited at the brave ducks and their babies that he was instantly willing to offer his entire sandwich to them... We had to remind him to save his lunch for himself and that we'd brought seeds and oats for the ducks!
Climbing mountains
Dovedale’s dramatic limestone scenery makes even a gentle family walk feel like a proper wilderness adventure.
The paths wind between steep hills and rocky slopes, providing endless opportunities to climb “mountains,” scramble over stones, and announce that you have reached the very top—even when you are only a few feet above the path.
That is one of the loveliest things about exploring with young children. You don’t need to complete a huge route or conquer an official summit. A grassy bank can become a mountain, a fallen branch can become a bridge, and a small rocky path can feel like a journey into completely unknown territory.
Adventure starts small, after all.
Fossils hiding in the rocks
The limestone around Dovedale is full of fascinating shapes and textures, so we spent time looking closely at the rocks and marvelling at the 350-million-year-old (yes, really!) fossils. You'll find the most fossils in the stepping stones and the steps up to Lover's Leap (which is a little further along the path once you've crossed the river on the stepping stones).
Looking for fossils is a brilliant way to slow down and encourage children to notice the tiny details around them. Just remember to leave everything where you find it so the next family can enjoy the discovery too.
The all-important picnic stop
Every good expedition needs provisions.
We found a peaceful spot for our picnic, surrounded by hills, rocks, and the sound of the river. Food always seems to taste better outdoors, especially after balancing across stepping stones and completing several highly challenging mountain ascents.
A picnic also gives everyone a chance to recharge before the return journey—or, in the case of small children, to eat three bites, announce that they are completely full, and then request snacks again seven minutes later.
An easy family adventure in the Peak District
One of the best things about Dovedale is that you can make the day as long or as simple as your family needs.
You can enjoy the stepping stones, river, and picnic spots without walking for miles, or continue farther along the valley when little legs and energy levels allow. National Trust membership made our visit even easier, with parking included for members.
It’s worth bringing water shoes, a towel, spare clothes, plenty of snacks, and a carrier for younger children who may suddenly discover that their legs have stopped working on the way back.
It can get very busy, and there are often queues for the stepping stones at peak times. If you're up for an early start, I'd recommend getting there early. We arrived at about 09:30 on a Friday morning, and there were very few others around yet at that time.
Dovedale gave us exactly the kind of family day we love: fresh air, muddy feet, rosy cheeks, and lots of small discoveries. No complicated entertainment was needed. Just a river, a few rocks, a picnic, and enough imagination to turn the Peak District into one enormous playground.
(And naturally, an Adventure Bear hoodie for when the paddling gets chilly.)