I used to visit Dovedale in the Peak District several times a year as a child, in the late 80s and early 90s. IIRC, it was a beautiful spot that was peaceful and chilled - I remember (and family photos seem to back this up) there only ever being about 10 to 15 other people there at any one time. Getting across the stepping stones was easy as there were so few people there.
I’ve been wanting to revisit as it holds happy memories for me. But having looked it up on TripAdvisor, the reviews are shocking - people saying it’s packed to the gills, long queues to walk across the stones, litter left everywhere, people barbecuing and setting up tents.
Is this really the case and is it a recent development, or has it always been like this and I’ve got a case of rose tinted specs?
Similarly Bakewell people are saying is very busy nowadays, but I remember as a child driving up there with my parents - I don’t remember us not being able to park or the place seeming especially crowded.
Any insights would be helpful as I’m hoping to book a week away, but don’t want to waste my money if it’s no longer worth visiting! I’d be looking at early September time.