
Everything you need to know about the Tissington Trail
Discover everything you need to know about the Tissington Trail ahead of your next escape to the Peak District.
The Tissington Trail is a 13-mile traffic-free route from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne, perfect for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders alike. Set in the scenic Derbyshire Dales, it offers year-round access to the Peak District’s landscapes and villages. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit.
How Long is the Tissington Trail?
The full 13-mile trail takes most walkers about 2.5 hours with stops, while cyclists typically finish in just over an hour.
View the map here: Visit Peak District, Tissington Trail
Where Does the Tissington Trail Start and End?
Most visitors begin the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay, near Buxton. Here, you’ll find parking, public toilets, picnic areas, a café and a visitor information centre. The route follows the old Tissington railway line south to Ashbourne. For those not keen on a 26-mile round-trip, you can catch a bus from Victoria Square in Ashbourne back to Parsley Hay. Be sure to check bus schedules ahead of time.

Sights Along the Tissington Trail
Beyond the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, the trail passes through several villages like Thorpe, Tissington, Alsop En Le Dale, Hartington, and Parsley Hay.
- Tissington Village: Known for its historic cottages, duck pond, and Tissington Hall, which opens for visitors on select days. Nearby, Dovedale’s famous stepping stones make a great photo stop.
- Hartington: A lovely spot to pause, featuring the Beresford Tea Rooms, Charles Cotton Hotel, and the renowned Hartington Cheese Shop. Don’t miss their selection of local cheeses, ales, and chutneys.
- Alsop En Le Dale: A small hamlet with a Tudor manor house and church at its centre. Call in and admire the selection of cottages and farmhouses before continuing on your way.
- Thorpe Village: Often referred to as the gateway to Dovedale, this tiny limestone village has a wonderful view of Thorpe Cloud, a popular Peak in the area.
- Parsley Hay: Relax here before and after your walk or cycle. Enjoy a hot drink and some cake from The Blueberry Kiosk café or sit with a picnic on one of the benches.

What to Bring
Pack for comfort with hiking boots, layers, a waterproof jacket, and essentials like water, snacks, and sun cream. If you’re with children or pets, consider packing for shorter distances and plan a picnic stop along the way.
Difficulty & Accessibility
The Tissington Trail is almost entirely flat, making it accessible for all fitness levels, including families with young children or pushchairs. There are a few minor inclines near Mappleton but these shouldn’t be a challenge for most people. Not up for the full trail? You can always plan a more comfortable distance and turn back once you’re tired.
Hotels Near The Tissington Trail
After completing the trail our selection of hotels and inns nearby offer locally sourced food and drink, comfortable bedrooms and plenty of space to relax.
The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley: A small inn located in Pilsley village, featuring traditional country inn décor and seasonal menus.
The Devonshire Arms at Beeley: Located in the quiet village of Beeley, this traditional country inn offers comforting pub classics and an à la carte menu.
The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow: Set in Baslow Village, The Cavendish Hotel has a choice of two restaurants, The Garden Room and The Gallery. Each features menus curated by Executive Chef, Adam Harper that showcase the best seasonal ingredients.