A Walk or Ride Along the Tissington Trail
The Tissington Trail is a 13 mile traffic free route running from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne through some of the most beautiful Peak District countryside. Following the path of a former railway line closed in the 1960s, this crushed limestone trail is relatively flat and level, making it suitable for walkers, cyclists, riders and wheelchair users alike. Cycle hire is available at both ends of the trail, with facilities at Parsley Hay and Ashbourne. The route passes close to the pretty villages of Hartington and Tissington, home to the spectacular Jacobean mansion Tissington Hall, and also lies near the famous stepping stones at Dovedale. With plenty of picnic spots and fabulous White Peak views along the way, the Tissington Trail offers a wonderful day out for all ages and abilities in the Peak District.
The Tissington Trail is a traffic-free trail that runs for 13 miles from Parsley Hay in the north to Ashbourne in the south. It follows the route of the former railway line between Buxton and Ashbourne, closed in the 1960s, and is now a wonderful track for walkers, riders and cyclists through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Peak District.
The easy accessibility of the Tissington Trail and the stunning scenery along the route makes it a favourite with leisure cyclists, and it is also suitable for wheelchair users. The surface is made up of crushed limestone and it is relatively flat and level, with easy access at many points on the way.
There are cycle hire facilities at both ends of the Trail. The Peak District National Park Visitor Information Centre at Parsley Hay offers cycle hire, along with refreshments and a small gift shop. A similar facility can be found in Ashbourne, at Mapleton Lane.
The Tissington Trail passes through or close to a number of beautiful villages on its route, including Hartington and Tissington, from which it takes it name. It also passes very close to Dovedale, the picturesque limestone ravine with its famous stepping stones. There are plenty of perfect picnic spots along the Trail, with fabulous White Peak views.
Combine your day on the Trail with a trip to the lovely village of Tissington, surely a strong contender for the prettiest village in the Peak District. It’s dominated by the spectacular Tissington Hall, a Jacobean mansion that has been home to the same family since it was built.
How Do I Get to the Tissington Trail?
The Tissington Trail runs between Parsley Hay and Ashbourne in the Peak District in Derbyshire. It is well signposted from the A515 Buxton to Ashbourne road. The postcode for the Parsley Hay Visitor Information Centre and Cycle Hire Facility is SK17 ODG. The postcode for the Ashbourne Cycle Hire Facility is DE6 2AA.
Find out more
For more information about the Tissington Trail and the places to be seen along the route, click on the button below:
If you enjoyed the traffic-free beauty of the Tissington Trail, the Peak District has several more wonderful trails and routes to explore. The High Peak Trail offers 17 miles of almost traffic-free bliss, while the Monsal Trail runs for 8.5 traffic-free miles through glorious White Peak countryside. The Manifold Way offers 8 miles through the stunning Manifold Valley. The town of Ashbourne is the southern gateway to the trail, and the charming villages of Tissington and Parwich are perfect for exploring. Discover more routes at our Walking Trails Guide.
