Dovedale Dash

Dovedale Dash

The Dovedale Dash is a cross country event held around the village of Thorpe near Ashbourne, in the southern part of the Derbyshire Peak District. The main course runs through fields, paths and open ground in the valleys of the rivers Dove and Manifold. A notable point on the route is the crossing of the river Dove at the Stepping Stones.

Distances

• 4 3/4 mile main race along valley paths and open ground.
• 1 1/4 mile Mini Dash around the foot of Thorpe Cloud.

The event includes a childrens Mini Dash with U12 and U9 categories. The main race is for those aged 12 years or older; the Mini Dash is for children aged 11 or under on the day. Entry fees listed are £14 for adults and £9 for under 18s in the main race, and £5 for the Mini Dash. Entries open and close on the dates provided by the organiser, and the listing shows 250 participants entered so far.

Parking is free on Thorpe Pastures. Some years the event has been cancelled because the car park was too wet. The Mini Dash route goes clockwise around Thorpe Cloud and follows the River Dove to the stepping stones without crossing them; parents or guardians may accompany their child in the Mini Dash. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.