Thorpe Cloud, Dovedale

Thorpe Cloud is the shapely conical hill that guards the mouth of Dovedale, above the famous stepping stones on the River Dove. It is one of the most photogenic spots in the White Peak, with the limestone gorge, the river and Ilam Rock scenery all within frame. Be honest with yourself about access here: the hill, the valley floor and the main car park are National Trust land, and the Trust bans take-off and landing on its property, so you cannot legally launch from the summit or the stepping stones. Flying over the area is a different matter, but you must take off and land from non-Trust public land, which is limited around here, so this is a caution spot for experienced pilots who know exactly where the boundaries lie. It is also inside the Peak District National Park, whose voluntary code asks you to avoid crowds and wildlife, and this is a genuine honeypot that gets extremely busy. No airport restriction applies. Parking is the paid Dovedale car park or verges in Thorpe village. Visit at dawn midweek, out of season, for empty paths, mist in the valley and the best chance of a considerate, low-impact flight.