Reynard's Cave
A challenging hike leads to a dramatic cave with breathtaking Dovedale views. Explore hidden passages and enjoy a rewarding adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier climb
Reynard's Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier climb
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging hike leads to a dramatic cave with breathtaking Dovedale views. Explore hidden passages and enjoy a rewarding adventure.
"The hike up is really worth it, just take your time and go slowly."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the steep, rocky path. Good grip is key for safety and comfort.
🔦 Bring a Powerful Flashlight
Crucial for exploring the side cave and seeing crystal rock formations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Reynard's Cave Entrance
Upper section of the hike
A dramatic cave opening offering stunning views of Dovedale below. A rewarding scramble to reach.
Hidden Side Cave
Halfway down the main descent
A less-visited cave with potential for deeper exploration. Bring lights!
Panoramic Dovedale Views
From the cave entrance
Breathtaking vistas of the River Dove and surrounding valley. Worth the climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Steep Ascent
Explore Beyond the Main Cave
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the steep, rocky path. Good grip is key for safety and comfort.
🔦 Bring a Powerful Flashlight
Crucial for exploring the side cave and seeing crystal rock formations.
⚠️ No Signage - Be Prepared
Trails to the cave aren't marked. Check your map and look for the opening around 40-45 mins in.
⬆️ Take Your Time Climbing
The ascent is steep and requires handholds. Go slow and steady.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for the steep, rocky path. Good grip is key for safety and comfort.
🔦 Bring a Powerful Flashlight
Crucial for exploring the side cave and seeing crystal rock formations.
⚠️ No Signage - Be Prepared
Trails to the cave aren't marked. Check your map and look for the opening around 40-45 mins in.
⬆️ Take Your Time Climbing
The ascent is steep and requires handholds. Go slow and steady.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Rubbish
Sadly, litter is an issue. Help keep this beautiful spot clean.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reynard's Cave is a challenging but rewarding natural attraction in Dovedale, praised for its stunning views and the thrill of the climb. Visitors highlight the hidden side cave as a must-explore, though the lack of signage and occasional litter are noted drawbacks. Proper footwear and a good flashlight are essential for a safe and enjoyable visit.
"Ok the hike up to the cave is very steep and precarious, we had hiking boots on and they worked well. When you get up to the top the view down is beautiful.
As you come about halfway down to get out you will see another path off to the right, there is another cave to go in and this on you can go up inside a little way. We could have gone further but had no proper lights to explore so we stopped.
There was a little dog that got all the way up here and back again also which was amazing.
Sadly people have left loads of rubbish in the big cave and also made an area for a toilet which is foul.
The hike up is really worth it, just take your time and go slowly, the rocks have shiny areas where many people have used them to hand hold over the years."
Carol A
"Worth to see and feel that moment. Dovedale is really beautiful place. In the cave also you can see crystal rock good for exploring. 🫶"
Monika J
"Whilst some selfish person reported this as "closed" it is open (edit submitted to Google) albeit a little testing to navigate the rocky incline to access the cave and none of the pathways up to the cave are signposted so you could easily keep on walking alongside the river Dove and miss them.
As I have mentioned above the ascent to access the cave entrance is tricky and the descent equally tricky. Take care if you're going to give it a visit. Reynard wasn't in by the way!"
Graham Hiley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reynard's Cave is located in Dovedale. The trail to the cave is not signposted, so you'll need to be observant. Look for the opening about 40-45 minutes into your walk along the trail. Many visitors miss it if they aren't paying attention.
There are several car parks in the Dovedale area, such as the one at the National Trust's Dovedale car park. From there, you'll embark on a hike to reach the cave.
The primary access involves a steep, rocky incline that requires scrambling and using handholds. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended for this challenging ascent.
Cycling is generally not recommended for the direct approach to Reynard's Cave due to the steep and uneven terrain. The hike is the standard method of access.
Public transport options to Dovedale are limited. While buses may serve nearby villages, you'll likely need to walk a significant distance to reach the trailhead for Reynard's Cave.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Reynard's Cave is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free, though parking in the Dovedale area may incur a fee.
Reynard's Cave is open year-round, as it's a natural formation. However, access is dependent on daylight and weather conditions.
There is no admission fee to enter Reynard's Cave itself. The main costs would be associated with parking if you drive to the Dovedale area.
Official guided tours specifically for Reynard's Cave are not commonly advertised. However, local walking groups or guides might offer tours of the Dovedale area that include the cave.
While the cave is a natural formation and always physically accessible, extreme weather conditions could make the approach dangerous or impassable. It's best to check local conditions before visiting.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is described as steep and precarious, with a rocky incline that requires scrambling and using your hands for support. Sturdy hiking boots are a must.
There are no facilities directly at Reynard's Cave. You'll need to be self-sufficient for water and any other needs. Be aware that some visitors have noted issues with litter and sanitation in the main cave.
The main cave offers a dramatic entrance and views. A smaller, less-obvious cave to the right halfway down the descent is also worth exploring with a good light source, and may contain crystal rock formations.
The steep and challenging ascent makes Reynard's Cave potentially unsuitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. Older children who are confident climbers might enjoy it, but supervision is essential.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Layers of clothing are advisable as the weather can change. Bring a waterproof jacket and a reliable flashlight for exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
The cave entrance itself provides a dramatic frame for the Dovedale valley. The views looking down from the cave are spectacular. Don't forget to capture the textures of the rock formations.
Mid-morning or afternoon light can be beautiful, illuminating the valley. Consider the angle of the sun for dramatic shadows and highlights within the cave.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive views. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions inside the cave.
There are no specific photography restrictions mentioned for Reynard's Cave. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
With a good flashlight, you can capture interesting textures and formations within the smaller cave. It offers a more intimate and mysterious photographic subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Adventurous Kids
Consider bringing extra snacks and water, as facilities are non-existent. The hidden side cave is a fantastic discovery for curious kids, but a powerful flashlight is essential for them to safely explore its nooks and crannies. Be prepared for the possibility of litter and discuss with your children the importance of respecting the natural environment by packing out all waste.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the rugged beauty of the landscape. Remember to pack out all your trash to help preserve the area. The opportunity to explore the less-obvious side cave with a good light source adds an extra layer of intrigue for those keen on geological exploration.
📸 Photographers Seeking Dramatic Vistas
Consider visiting during the golden hours for softer light. The challenging hike ensures that the most compelling shots are earned. Don't forget to capture the textures of the rock and the expansive landscape from the cave's vantage point.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Ascent and Descent
Despite the challenge, the effort is widely considered to be worth it. The reward is not just reaching the cave itself, but also the breathtaking panoramic views of the Dovedale valley that unfold as you ascend. This scenic payoff is a major draw for visitors, making the demanding climb a memorable part of the experience.
Exploring the Hidden Gems
This hidden gem provides a more intimate caving experience compared to the main cave. The lack of signage means it's easily missed, making its discovery feel even more rewarding. Those who venture into this side cave often speak of its unique atmosphere and the thrill of uncovering a less-trodden path.
Respecting the Natural Environment
The lack of official signage for the cave also means that visitors must be self-reliant in navigation. While this adds to the sense of adventure, it also means that information about the cave's location and the best approach is often shared through word-of-mouth and online forums. This community-driven advice highlights the importance of responsible exploration and respecting the natural state of the site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit