Repairs to famous stepping stones to get under way

The stepping stones, which closed in 2023 due to storm damage, have still attracted crowds looking to access the valley across the River Dove

Repairs to a river's famous stepping stones in the Peak District are set to get under way.

People can walk between Derbyshire and Staffordshire by crossing Dovedale's stepping stones, which were first laid for Victorian tourists in 1890.

They were shut in October when some were damaged during Storm Babet, with debris washing down the river and toppling them.

Derbyshire County Council confirmed repairs at the beauty spot, which still attracts crowds despite being closed, would begin on Monday.

The stones were acquired by the National Trust, which still owns the land, in 1934.

Because it is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), permission for any repairs - which the council is responsible for - had to be gained by Natural England, and this has now been granted.

The authority said river levels were now low enough for the work - which is due to be completed by 23 August - to start.

The site was recently thrown into the spotlight following a mass brawl, with footage showing sticks being waved and punches thrown at the stones.

No arrests have yet been made, Derbyshire Police said.

Debris washed down the river to the stones during Storm Babet

Concerns over littering and overcrowding at the site have also been raised.

The National Trust previously told the BBC it was about balancing the provision of access "with the needs of the environment and local communities".

"The stepping stones are a public right of way leading out into the open countryside of the Peak District," a spokesperson said.

"Since the stepping stones were damaged during Storm Babet, we have tried to keep as much of the area open to visitors as possible, with signage in place to advise visitors not to use them and we have suggested alternative routes."

Walkers have continued to access the stones - despite warnings

The county council said it "shouldn't take too long" to complete the repair work.

Councillor Charlotte Cupit, cabinet member for highways assets and transport, said: "We know how much this landmark site is valued by all those who visit it each year, and we are pleased that the river is low enough to make these repairs so people will soon be able to use them again.

"So that we don't get in the way of most visitors our team will be starting work at 5am and then finishing when Dovedale starts to get busy."

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