Following the route of the former Buxton to Ashbourne railway line, the Tissington Trail runs from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay passing through the picturesque village of Tissington and the beautiful countryside of the Derbyshire Dales.
Route Details
- From – to: Station Road, Ashbourne to Parsley Hay
- Distance: 13 miles
- Type: Traffic-free with some easy gradients
- Surface: Dust surface
Route Description
Following the route of the former Buxton to Ashbourne railway line, the Tissington Trail runs from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay passing through the picturesque village of Tissington and the beautiful countryside of the Derbyshire Dales. The trail also passes near to Dovedale, a dramatic limestone ravine with stunning scenery, wildlife famous for its much-loved stepping stones which cross the River Dove.
Built as part of the London and North Western Railway, the Buxton to Ashbourne railway line opened in 1899 and closed in 1967. Once the track was removed, the route was transformed into a recreational trail and opened to the public in 1971. The traffic-free trail is ideal for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and is mostly flat apart from a relatively steep incline at Mappleton.
Ashbourne, where the route starts, is a historic market town, well established in Saxon times and listed in the Domesday survey, where it’s called `Esseburne’. Ashbourne’s legacy of more than 200 listed buildings, fine coaching inns and mellow-bricked town houses combine to create the town’s unique atmosphere. Arriving in Tissington, Tissington Hall is worth a visit but is only open to the public for 28 days each year so check their website before heading over. If you fancy a spot of lunch on route, The Old Coach House in Tissington is a busy tearoom with outdoor seating.
At Parsley Hay, the trail links with the High Peak Trail which runs from High Peak Junction via Middleton Top and Parsley Hay to Sparklow.
