What Is the Tissington Trail?

The Tissington Trail follows part of the former London and North Western Railway line between Buxton and Ashbourne.

The railway opened in 1899 and transported passengers, milk and limestone through the White Peak until the line eventually closed in the 1960s.

The Peak District National Park Authority purchased the route in 1971 and transformed it into a recreational trail.

Today, it's one of the Peak District's best-known traffic-free routes.

Route and Length

The Tissington Trail runs for approximately 13 miles between Parsley Hay in the north and Ashbourne in the south.

Along the way, it passes Hartington Station, Alsop, Tissington and Thorpe before eventually reaching Ashbourne.

At Parsley Hay, the route meets the High Peak Trail, giving more adventurous cyclists and walkers the opportunity to continue much further through the White Peak. Bike Hire is also available at Parsley Hay, as well as a cafe and toilets.

The Tissington Trail also forms part of National Cycle Network Route 68.

Landscape and Surface

Because you're following a former railway, the landscape feels quite different from a traditional Peak District walk.

Instead of climbing steeply over fields and hills, the trail passes through old railway cuttings, along embankments and across open countryside.

The gradients are generally gentle, which is one of the reasons it's such a good option for families and less experienced cyclists.

The surface is suitable for walking and cycling, although conditions can naturally vary with the weather.

And because there are no cars on the trail itself, you can relax a little more than you might when cycling along the Peak District's country lanes.

You'll still need to keep an eye out for other cyclists, walkers and horse riders, of course.

Main Access Points

One of the advantages of the Tissington Trail is that you don't have to begin at either end.

There are several places where you can join it, including:

• Parsley Hay
• Hartington Station
• Alsop Station
• Tissington
• Thorpe
• Ashbourne

For guests staying at Hartington Hills, Hartington Station and Parsley Hay are particularly useful access points. You don't have to drive to an access point to reach the trail, you can cycle directly from the site. We are happy to explain how, just Contact Us. You'll also receive a route map inside your welcome pack on arrival!

Walking the Tissington Trail

Although many people immediately associate the Tissington Trail with cycling, it's just as enjoyable on foot.

In fact, walking gives you a little more time to appreciate the views, wildlife and remnants of the old railway along the way.

Shorter Sections

For an easy walk, choose one of the access points and simply follow the trail for a few miles before turning around.

Hartington Station is particularly good for this.

From here, you can head north towards Parsley Hay or south towards Alsop and Tissington, choosing a distance that suits you.

Another excellent short option begins at Parsley Hay.

The National Park has an accessible route from Parsley Hay towards Hartington Station and Ruby Wood. The route to Ruby Wood is approximately 4km and follows the former railway through classic White Peak scenery.

If you're looking for a relaxed morning or afternoon rather than a full day's hike, this is a lovely choice.

Full-Distance Walks

Walking the entire 13-mile Tissington Trail is perfectly possible if you're comfortable covering the distance.

The obvious challenge is getting back again.

Walking from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne and then retracing your steps would turn it into a 26-mile day, which is rather more than most of us have in mind when we say we're going for a nice walk.

Instead, arrange transport at one end or investigate current bus and taxi options before setting off.

You could also walk a substantial section of the trail before creating a circular route using surrounding public footpaths, although this requires a little more navigation.

What Walkers Should Bring

The Tissington Trail isn't technically difficult, but you're still spending several hours outdoors in the Peak District.

Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Waterproof jacket
• Water
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• Sun cream in warmer weather
• Warm layer
• Phone
• Portable charger

For longer routes, we'd also recommend carrying a map or having your route downloaded to your phone.

The trail itself is straightforward to follow.

The weather isn't always quite so straightforward.

Cycling the Tissington Trail

If you prefer two wheels to two feet, the Tissington Trail is one of the best places in the Peak District to get on a bike.

Its gentle gradients, lack of traffic and multiple access points make it suitable for everyone from families to experienced cyclists.

Cycle Hire

You don't need to bring your own bikes.

The Peak District National Park Authority currently operates cycle-hire centres at Parsley Hay and Ashbourne, both of which provide direct access to the trail.

Parsley Hay is the most convenient option for visitors staying around Hartington.

Bikes can be hired for half or full days, and pre-booking is recommended, particularly during weekends and school holidays.

Helmets are available, and the centres also offer a range of different cycles and accessible options.

Check availability and opening arrangements before travelling, especially if you're visiting outside the main season or during poor weather.

Family Cycling

This is one of the reasons we recommend the Tissington Trail so often to families.

You don't have to worry about children cycling alongside cars, and the relatively gentle gradients mean you can concentrate on enjoying yourselves rather than tackling enormous climbs.

Choose a manageable distance, stop for a picnic and turn around when everyone's had enough.

Remember that the trail is shared with walkers and horse riders, so children should still be confident controlling their bikes and know how to slow down safely when approaching other users.

And if you're cycling downhill, it's worth reminding younger riders that the return journey may feel slightly different!

Bikes and Equipment

If you're bringing your own bikes, give them a quick check before setting off.

Make sure tyres are properly inflated and brakes are working correctly.

We'd also recommend carrying:

• Helmet
• Water bottle
• Small repair kit
• Spare inner tube
• Pump
• Bike lock
• Waterproof jacket
• Snacks

A small backpack or pannier makes carrying everything considerably easier.

If you're hiring bikes, ask the hire centre what equipment is included so you don't bring unnecessary items.

Joining the High Peak Trail

This is where things get interesting for more enthusiastic cyclists.

At Parsley Hay, the Tissington Trail connects directly with the High Peak Trail.

The High Peak Trail runs for around 17½ miles towards High Peak Junction near Cromford, creating the possibility of much longer cycling adventures through the White Peak.

You don't have to complete either trail in full.

You can combine sections of both to create a route that suits your ability, available time and enthusiasm.

Parsley Hay therefore makes an excellent starting point if you're looking for more than a gentle family ride.

Places to Visit Along the Route

The Tissington Trail isn't just about getting from one end to the other.

Several places along the way are worth stopping to explore.

Parsley Hay

At the northern end of the trail, Parsley Hay is where the Tissington and High Peak Trails meet.

You'll find the National Park's cycle-hire centre here alongside toilets, a refreshment kiosk, picnic tables, bike racks and parking.

It's an excellent starting point whether you're walking or cycling.

The elevated location also provides lovely views across the surrounding White Peak countryside.

Tissington

It would be slightly disappointing to cycle the Tissington Trail without actually visiting Tissington.

The beautiful estate village is known for its limestone cottages, pretty lanes, Tissington Hall and its famous annual Well Dressings.

It's a lovely place to stop, explore and find something to eat or drink before returning to the trail.

Have a read of our Tissington guide before your visit.

Ashbourne

At the southern end of the trail is the historic market town of Ashbourne.

Known for its independent shops, cafés, pubs and attractive Georgian streets, Ashbourne makes a great destination if you're completing the trail from north to south.

The final section of the route includes the former railway tunnel before bringing you towards the town.

If you're starting from this end, the National Park's Ashbourne Cycle Hire Centre at Mapleton Lane gives you direct access to the trail.

You can find more ideas for your visit in our Ashbourne guide.

Hartington Station

Despite the name, Hartington Station isn't actually in Hartington village.

The former station sits beside the trail near the A515 and is one of the most convenient access points for guests staying at Hartington Hills.

The old signal box has been preserved and still contains its original signalling levers, providing a little glimpse into the route's railway past.

There is also parking and access to the trail here.

If you're looking for an easy outing, the National Park suggests a short accessible route from Hartington Station towards Ruby Wood, around 800 metres away.

The nearby Newhaven area is another useful point of reference when exploring this part of the White Peak.

Practical Information for Campers

One of the benefits of the Tissington Trail is that it's relatively straightforward to plan.

But there are still a few practical things worth knowing.

Parking and Toilets

There are several car parks along the trail.

The main options include Parsley Hay, Hartington Station, Tissington and Mapleton Lane at Ashbourne, with additional access points elsewhere along the route.

Facilities vary between locations.

Parsley Hay is particularly well equipped, with parking, toilets, cycle hire, refreshments, picnic tables and seating.

Hartington Station also has parking and toilet facilities.

Parking charges and facilities can change, so check the latest National Park information before travelling rather than relying on an old map or guidebook.

Accessibility

Because the Tissington Trail follows a former railway, sections of it are particularly suitable for visitors looking for easier-access countryside routes.

The National Park's Miles Without Stiles route from Parsley Hay follows the trail for approximately 4km towards Ruby Wood, passing Hartington Station along the way.

There's also the option to start at Hartington Station for a much shorter 800-metre route to Ruby Wood.

The National Park offers adapted cycles and all-terrain mobility equipment through its cycle-hire services too, although these should be booked ahead because availability is limited.

If accessibility is important for your visit, check the latest National Park guidance before setting off.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on the trail, making it a good option if your four-legged family member is holidaying with you.

Keep them under close control and be considerate of other trail users, particularly cyclists and horse riders.

There may also be livestock in adjacent fields, so don't allow dogs to run off the trail into surrounding farmland.

And, as everywhere in the countryside, please pick up after them and take waste away with you.

Reaching the Trail from Hartington Hills

The Tissington Trail is one of several fantastic walking and cycling routes within easy reach of Hartington Hills.

For our guests, Hartington Station is one of the most convenient places to join the trail, while Parsley Hay is another excellent option if you'd like to hire bikes or connect with the High Peak Trail.

Our location between Hartington and Hulme End means you're well placed to explore both the Derbyshire White Peak and the neighbouring Manifold Valley during your stay.

One day you could be cycling along the Tissington Trail.

The next, you could be walking through Beresford Dale or heading down the Manifold Track towards Thor's Cave.

Have a browse through our Things to Do pages for more ideas.

And after a day on the trail, you can return to Hartington Hills, park the bikes, enjoy a hot shower and settle down for the evening surrounded by the Peak District countryside.

Our Touring pitches provide a comfortable base for caravans, motorhomes and tents, while our Facilities help make longer walking and cycling holidays that little bit easier.

That's what makes the Tissington Trail such a good addition to a camping holiday.

You don't have to be an experienced cyclist.

You don't have to walk all 13 miles.

And you certainly don't have to treat it like a race.

Choose a section, pack some lunch and take your time.

After all, the whole point of being in the Peak District is enjoying the scenery along the way.