Dovedale Dash

Dovedale Dash

The Dovedale Dash is a cross country race of 4 3/4 mile held in the area around the village of Thorpe near Ashbourne, in the southern Peak District. The main course runs mainly along field paths and open ground in the valleys of the rivers Dove and Manifold. A notable feature of the route is the crossing of the River Dove at the well known Stepping Stones. The event traditionally attracts around 1200 to 1400 participants.

There is also a Children's Mini Dash of 1 1/4 mile around the foot of Thorpe Cloud. The Mini Dash runs clockwise around Thorpe Cloud, down to the River Dove, alongside the river to the stepping stones (participants do not go over the stepping stones or through the river), then uphill through Lin Dale to the finish. The Mini Dash is for under 12s and includes U12 and U9 categories; parents or guardians may accompany children.

Practical notes recorded for the event include free parking on Thorpe Pastures and occasional cancellations in years when the car park has been too wet. Age limits are set relative to the event date: the main race is for those aged 12 years or older, and the Mini Dash is for children aged 11 and under. Entry fees noted for the event are £14 for adults and £9 for under 18s for the main race, and £5 for the Mini Dash. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• 4 3/4 mile main cross country course
• 1 1/4 mile Children's Mini Dash around Thorpe Cloud