Historic Peak District stepping stones undergo repairs

Repairs to the historic stepping stones in Dovedale, Peak District, are set to begin.

The stones, which allow people to walk between Derbyshire and Staffordshire, were first laid in 1890 for Victorian tourists and were damaged during Storm Babet in October when debris toppled some of them.

Derbyshire County Council has confirmed that repairs will start on Monday.

The stones, acquired by the National Trust in 1934, are part of a site of special scientific interest (SSSI), requiring permission from Natural England for any repairs, which has now been granted.

The repair work is expected to be completed by 23 August, with river levels now low enough to proceed.

Despite being closed, the beauty spot still attracts crowds.

The site recently gained attention due to a mass brawl, with Derbyshire Police reporting no arrests yet. Concerns about littering and overcrowding have also been raised.

The council assured that the repairs “shouldn’t take too long.”

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. Our team will be starting work at 5 am and finishing when Dovedale starts to get busy.”