Tissington Trail

The Tissington Trail is 21.07 km, or about 13 miles, running between Ashbourne in the south and Parsley Hay in the north. It follows the former Buxton to Ashbourne railway line through the Derbyshire Dales and links with the High Peak Trail at Parsley Hay.

The Tissington Trail is generally rated easy, with 373 m of elevation gain spread over a long rail-trail route. Because it follows a former railway line, the gradients are usually gentle rather than sharply steep, which makes it more manageable than many Peak District walks of a similar length.

Walking the full 21.07 km Tissington Trail usually takes around 4.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on pace and stops. The route is straightforward because it is a linear former railway path, but time can stretch if stopping in places such as Ashbourne, Tissington, Hartington, or Parsley Hay.

The Tissington Trail can be started from Ashbourne or from Parsley Hay. Parsley Hay has a National Park car park on the A515, and Ashbourne is the southern end of the trail, with access from the town side near the old railway alignment; intermediate access points are also available around places such as Tissington and Hartington.

The Tissington Trail is widely used by walkers and is suitable for dogs, with a traffic-free route along the old railway corridor. Because it is also popular with cyclists and other trail users, dogs are best kept under close control, especially near busier access points such as Ashbourne, Tissington, Hartington, and Parsley Hay.

Facilities are available at several points along the Tissington Trail rather than only at the ends. Public toilets are available at Parsley Hay, and facilities are also found at stops including Ashbourne, Tissington, and Hartington, which helps break up the 21 km route into manageable sections.

The Tissington Trail combines an easy grade with a substantial but non-technical 21.07 km route through Derbyshire. Its former railway alignment means a clear path, steady climbing, and easy navigation between Ashbourne and Parsley Hay, making it a strong choice for a relaxed full-day walk rather than a rugged hill hike.