Dovedale - am I remembering it wrong?

[summerlemons]

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.

Go when it’s rainy or in winter, on a weekday. All the knobheads who make it shit aren’t there. This is my rule for any beauty spot/ tourist place. Never fails me and I’ve only been caught up in one storm so bad I had to drive in my pants all the way home.

Actually I am not at all surprised there has been a fight, had to happen one busy day. It can be a nightmare waiting to cross. We usually cross the river at the bridge near the car park instead. TBH we rarely go to that end now as it is too busy and has been for years and years.

Bakewell also busy but lots of parking available. We usually park there to start a walk rather than go round the town.

Lots and lots of other nice places in the Peak District anyway. As others have said Lathkill Dale is lovely. Also the area around Chatsworth. Also White Edge.

Because every location is named online (see also Hampstead ponds, once a well kept secret) and also lockdown forced more people into doing stuff outdoors. Which is good if only it was spread out more

We visited on Monday for the first time in 30years
very upset to see litter everywhere (even bags been put in the trees )
we won’t come again but clearly the British public will get the countryside they deserve
we were always taught leave no trace when visiting beauty spots
how difficult is it to take your rubbish home and also why aren’t these people fined