What Is the High Peak Trail?

The High Peak Trail is one of the Peak District's best-known walking, cycling and horse-riding routes.

It follows much of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway through the Derbyshire countryside, linking Dowlow near Buxton with High Peak Junction near Cromford.

Route and Length

The High Peak Trail runs for around 17 miles, travelling through the White Peak countryside before descending towards the Derwent Valley.

Along the route you'll pass places including Parsley Hay, Friden, Minninglow, Middleton Top and High Peak Junction.

At Parsley Hay, the trail connects with the 13-mile Tissington Trail towards Ashbourne.

This junction gives walkers and cyclists a huge choice of routes.

You can spend an hour exploring one small section or combine the two trails into a much more ambitious day out.

Former Railway History

The High Peak Trail exists because of one of the more extraordinary engineering projects of the 19th century.

The Cromford and High Peak Railway opened in 1831 and was originally designed to connect the Cromford Canal with the Peak Forest Canal.

Rather than following a conventional railway route, it crossed the hills of the Peak District using a series of steep inclines.

Stationary steam engines were originally used to haul wagons up some of these gradients.

The railway eventually closed in the 1960s, and much of the former trackbed was later transformed into the recreational route we enjoy today.

You can still spot reminders of its industrial past along the trail, from old railway buildings to cuttings, embankments and the famous inclines.

It's one of those places where the history is very much part of the landscape.

Surface and Terrain

Much of the High Peak Trail follows a firm, surfaced former railway track, making it suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding.

Around Parsley Hay, gradients are generally gentle.

This makes the northern section particularly good for families, leisure cyclists and anyone who wants to enjoy the countryside without tackling technically difficult terrain.

However, don't assume the entire High Peak Trail is flat simply because it used to be a railway.

Towards the southern end you'll encounter the historic inclines that allowed the original railway to negotiate the steep landscape.

Some sections are therefore considerably more challenging than the relatively gentle trails around Parsley Hay.

If you're planning to cover a substantial distance, check the route and gradients beforehand.

Starting from Parsley Hay

For many visitors, Parsley Hay is the easiest and most convenient place to experience the High Peak Trail.

It sits directly on the trail and has the facilities you need to start a walking or cycling day.

Parking

There is a Peak District National Park Authority car park at Parsley Hay.

It's particularly convenient because you can park, unload your bikes, or hire them there, and join the trail without cycling along public roads first.

The car park can become busy during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, so arriving earlier in the day is sensible during peak periods.

Parking charges and arrangements can change, so check the latest National Park information before travelling.

Cycle Hire

One of the biggest advantages of starting at Parsley Hay is the cycle-hire centre.

You don't need a bike rack.

You don't need to squeeze several bicycles into the car.

And you don't need to spend half an hour wondering whether you attached them securely enough before setting off.

The Peak District National Park Authority operates cycle hire directly at Parsley Hay, with a range of bikes available.

Pre-booking is recommended, particularly during busy periods, and it's always worth checking current opening times and availability before travelling.

This makes Parsley Hay an excellent option for guests who fancy a cycling day during their camping holiday but don't want to bring bikes with them.

Toilets and Visitor Facilities

Parsley Hay has useful facilities including public toilets, picnic tables, seating, bike racks and refreshments.

Having everything in one place makes it especially convenient for families.

You can arrive, sort out bikes and helmets, use the facilities and get everyone fed before setting off.

Or, perhaps more realistically, get 200 metres down the trail before somebody announces they're hungry again.

Connecting Trails

This is what makes Parsley Hay particularly special.

The High Peak Trail and Tissington Trail meet here.

Head along one route and you're following the High Peak Trail towards places including Friden and Minninglow.

Choose the other and you can travel south along the Tissington Trail towards Hartington Station, Tissington and eventually Ashbourne.

You can read our Camper's Guide to the Tissington Trail if you're deciding which direction to explore.

For keen cyclists, having both routes available creates the possibility of much longer days out without spending much time on roads.

Walking and Cycling Route Options

You don't need to arrive at Parsley Hay with a complicated route planned.

One of the easiest approaches is simply to choose a direction, decide roughly how far you'd like to travel and turn around when you've had enough.

But there are options for almost every ability.

Short Family Routes

Families can enjoy relatively short out-and-back trips from Parsley Hay.

The former railway track provides a straightforward surface and there are no cars on the trail itself, making it considerably more relaxing than cycling with children on country roads.

One particularly useful option follows the Tissington Trail south from Parsley Hay towards Hartington Station and Ruby Wood.

You can choose a distance to suit the youngest member of the family and simply return the same way.

Remember that the trails are shared with walkers, cyclists and horse riders, so children should still understand basic trail etiquette and be able to control their bikes safely.

Longer Cycle Rides

If you're a confident cyclist, Parsley Hay opens up a much larger network.

Follow the High Peak Trail and you can explore Minninglow, Friden and Middleton Top.

Alternatively, head south along the Tissington Trail towards Tissington and Ashbourne.

More experienced riders can combine sections of both trails with surrounding roads and cycle routes to create much longer circular rides.

Just remember that an easy-looking outward journey can feel surprisingly different after several hours in the saddle.

Check distances before setting off and make sure everyone in your group is comfortable with the planned route.

Accessible Stretches

The area around Parsley Hay is particularly good for visitors looking for easier-access countryside.

The National Park's Miles Without Stiles route runs from Parsley Hay along the former railway towards Hartington Station and Ruby Wood.

The route to Ruby Wood is around 4km and has gentle gradients, providing an opportunity to enjoy the White Peak without stiles or particularly difficult terrain.

The National Park's cycle-hire services also include adapted cycles, while all-terrain mobility equipment may be available for visitors who need additional assistance.

Because equipment and accessibility requirements vary considerably, we'd recommend contacting the National Park before your visit to discuss your individual needs and reserve any equipment required.

More Challenging Sections

If you follow the High Peak Trail further south, the character of the route changes.

The original railway had to overcome significant changes in elevation, resulting in steep inclines including those around Middleton Top and towards High Peak Junction.

These sections provide fascinating reminders of the route's railway heritage but can be much more demanding for cyclists and walkers.

If you're travelling with younger children, inexperienced cyclists or anyone with limited mobility, the gentler northern sections around Parsley Hay are likely to be more suitable.

Who Is the Trail Suitable For?

One of the reasons the High Peak Trail is so popular is the variety of people who can enjoy it.

Families

Parsley Hay is an excellent starting point for families.

The combination of traffic-free trails, cycle hire, toilets and refreshments removes many of the practical difficulties associated with organising a family cycling day.

You don't need to cover huge distances either.

A couple of hours cycling followed by a picnic can be just as enjoyable as attempting an all-day expedition.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on the trails, making this another good option for guests visiting the Peak District with their four-legged family members.

Keep dogs under close control around cyclists and horse riders, and be mindful of livestock in surrounding fields.

Bring water for your dog, particularly during warmer weather, and always pick up after them.

Less Experienced Cyclists

If you haven't ridden a bike for several years, the Peak District's steep roads may not sound especially inviting.

The former railway trails provide a much gentler introduction.

Starting at Parsley Hay allows you to choose a relatively level section, ride at your own pace and turn around whenever you want.

You don't need expensive equipment or Tour de France levels of fitness.

A comfortable bike, helmet and willingness to pedal are quite sufficient.

Visitors with Limited Mobility

Selected sections around Parsley Hay have been specifically identified by the National Park as suitable for visitors looking for accessible countryside routes.

The Miles Without Stiles route towards Ruby Wood is the obvious example.

However, accessibility is very individual.

Surfaces, gradients, gates and weather conditions can all affect how suitable a route is, so check the latest detailed accessibility information before travelling.

If you're hiring adapted equipment, book in advance rather than assuming it will be available when you arrive.

Planning Your Day from Hartington Hills

For guests staying at Hartington Hills, Parsley Hay is an easy addition to your Peak District itinerary.

What to Bring

Even though you're following a relatively straightforward trail, remember that you're still spending several hours outdoors.

We'd recommend bringing:

• Water
• Snacks or packed lunch
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm layer
• Sun cream
• Comfortable footwear
• Phone
• Portable charger

Cyclists bringing their own bikes should also carry a basic repair kit, pump and spare inner tube.

And if the forecast says sunshine all day, we'd probably still bring the waterproof.

This is the Peak District, after all.

Food and Refreshments

Refreshments are available at Parsley Hay, making it easy to grab a drink or something to eat before or after your trip.

Opening arrangements can vary, particularly outside the main season, so check before relying on them.

For a longer day, take snacks and water with you rather than assuming you'll find somewhere open along every section of the trail.

A picnic is also a lovely option when the weather behaves itself.

Nearby Places to Visit

You can easily combine Parsley Hay with other places nearby.

Hartington is ideal for a wander, coffee or lunch after your ride, while Buxton makes a good option if you want to extend your day with shops, cafés and the Pavilion Gardens.

Have a look at our Buxton guide for ideas.

The Newhaven area is also close by and provides a useful gateway to this part of the White Peak.

Alternatively, simply return to Hartington Hills.

After several hours cycling, a hot shower and an evening doing very little can be quite an attractive itinerary.

Journey to Parsley Hay

Parsley Hay is only a short drive from Hartington Hills, making it one of the easiest major walking and cycling hubs to visit during your stay.

Before setting off, check the current route and parking information, particularly if you're towing or travelling in a larger vehicle.

Our Find Us page contains useful information about travelling around our rural location.

If you're staying on one of our Touring pitches, you can leave the caravan or motorhome comfortably set up at Hartington Hills and simply take the car to Parsley Hay for the day.

Then, when you've finished exploring, come back, park up and make use of our Facilities, including those all-important hot showers.

For more ideas about walking, cycling and days out nearby, browse our Things to Do pages.

The beauty of Parsley Hay is that you don't have to decide exactly what kind of day you're having until you arrive.

You can walk.

You can hire a bike.

You can take the children for a gentle ride.

Or you can set yourself the challenge of seeing just how much of the High Peak Trail your legs will tolerate.

Whichever you choose, it's a wonderfully easy way to get out into the Peak District countryside—and from Hartington Hills, it's practically on your doorstep.