From the village of Ilam we head over to Rushley Bridge, followed by a long and steady climb of about 500 ft to Castern Hall and beyond. We then descend to the head of Hall Dale, a beautiful grassy dale with an uneven section just before reaching the river Dove. From the river there is a very steep ascent to the top of the valley side. After a stretch of more level walking through woods, spectacular views open out of Dovedale and Bunster Hill. We skirt the lower slopes of Bunster Hill to descend back into Ilam. A total of 1,430 ft of ascent, but all hills will be taken slowly.