Dovedale is a beautiful limestone gorge in the River Dove valley famous for its ashwoods and geological features.

Dovedale took its shape as vast quantities of melting water from retreating icefields cut through the limestone bedrock. Water erosion formed caves (such as Dove Holes and Reynard’s Cave) which were left dry as the river cut even deeper.

The caves have been used for thousands of years to provide shelter. Evidence has been found that Ice Age hunters used them as bases during their hunting forays.

Later, Neolithic farmers used caves like Reynard’s Cave to bury their dead.

The River Dove has been popular with fishermen, and was mentioned in 17th Century angling books.

The word 'dub' comes from the pre-Saxon word meaning black, referring to the river's dark passage through the gorge.

Many of the weirs across the river were built to improve the habitat for trout and so improve the fishing. The river was also used to power several mills.