Tissington Trail

Overview

The Tissington Trail is a disused railway line in Derbyshire that’s been turned into a traffic-free trail. The trail is perfect for cycling, leisurely strolls, running, and dog walks. It’s completely free to use the trail and it’s suitable for families with children, solo walkers, and couples. Some parts are also accessible.

Along the way you’ll see beautiful railway tunnels, and you can hop off the trail to visit the gorgeous village of Tissington and the photogenic Dovedale stepping stones, some of the best spots in the Peak District National Park. The trail can be enjoyed all year round.

How long does the Tissington Trail take?

The full trail is around 13 miles (21 kilometres) long and should take between four and a half and five hours to walk, or longer if you add in stops and you’re walking at a leisurely pace.

Cyclists can complete the linear trail in just over an hour, depending on their pace.

Where does the Tissington Trail start and finish?

The Tissington Trail starts in the town centre of Ashbourne and finishes at Parsley Hay, where it joins the High Peak Junction. Of course, you can do the trail either way round, and you don’t have to complete the whole trail. You can plan a shorter route, or just turn back when you’re ready to.

From Hartington, it is approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) to Parsley Hay and 11 miles (17.7 kilometres) to Ashbourne. You can do an out-and-back route, or catch the bus back to Hartington from Ashbourne town centre. You can get onto the trail at the old Hartington Station, which is no longer used.

How flat is the Tissington Trail?

The trail is mostly flat, making it an easy walk or cycle for most fitness levels. It’s great for families with young children in pushchairs. There are parts where you’ll find a slight incline, and there is a steeper section at Mapleton.

Is the Tissington Trail circular?

The Tissington Trail itself isn’t circular, it’s a linear route. However, you can make the route circular by adding in sections of the High Peak Trail. There are also many circular walking routes that start in Hartington and take in some of the trail.

Is the Tissington Trail accessible?

Some parts of the Tissington Trail are accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The trail is mainly level, and the paths are wide.

There is a short, steep section at 7 Arches, just outside of Ashbourne, which may be difficult for wheelchair users.

Are there toilets on the Tissington Trail?

There are several public toilets available to use along the route, including:

Mapleton Road
Tissington
Hartington
Parsley Hay
Ashbourne

Tissington Trail cycling

The Tissington Trail is perfect for cyclists of all abilities. It’s a traffic-free trail with an easy gradient and firm surface, so it is suitable for little ones, beginners, or anyone who is less confident on a bike. You can bring your own bike or hire one, and the trail is part of Sustrans route 68.

Tissington Trail pubs

If you fancy a pub lunch to refuel during your walk or ride, then there are plenty of pubs close to the Tissington Trail. These include:

The Royal Oak, Hurdlow
The Old Dog, Thorpe
The Waterloo Inn, Biggin
The Okeover Arms, Mapleton

If you prefer a light lunch, a slice of cake, or a coffee to a cosy pub, then you’re in luck. Cafes near the trail include:

Herbert’s Tearooms, Tissington
Blueberry Kiosk, Parsley Hay
Hartington Station Refreshment Room

Cycle hire on the Tissington Trail

You can hire a bike at either end of the Tissington Trail. The closest place to YHA Hartington Hall to hire a bike is Parsley Hay bike hire.

Other cycle hire places on the Tissington Trail include:

Ashbourne Bike Hire, Repair and Service Centre
The Bike Barn Ashbourne
Mapleton Road Bike Hire

How to get to the Tissington Trail from YHA Hartington Hall

On foot: You can get onto the Tissington Trail from the disused Hartington Station, just outside the village. It’s about 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometres) from YHA Hartington Hall and should take around 45 minutes to walk to.

Driving: Alternatively, you can drive to the pay and display car park at Hartington Station, which should take approximately five minutes.

You could also drive to the start of the trail at either end (Ashbourne or Parsley Hay), both of which have a car park. Parsley Hay is around an eight-minute drive, whereas the Tissington Trail car park on Mapleton Road in Ashbourne takes about 20 minutes to get to.

By public transport: To get to the Tissington Trail car park on Mapleton Road in Ashbourne, catch the 442 bus to Ashbourne Bus Station from outside YHA Hartington Hall. Alight at the Market Place, and from here it takes around nine minutes to walk to the Tissington Trail. The whole journey takes about 40 minutes.