
Ashbourne Tunnel
Start your scenic adventure on the Tissington Trail from the historic Ashbourne Tunnel, offering bike hire, cafes, and easy access.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Ashbourne Tunnel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Start your scenic adventure on the Tissington Trail from the historic Ashbourne Tunnel, offering bike hire, cafes, and easy access.
"Great place to park, toilets, bike hire and shop. We walked the trail from Ashbourne to Tissington."

🚗 Careful Car Park Entry
The car park entrance has a sharp turn and one-way system; drive cautiously. :car:
💰 Parking Payment Options
Pay with pound coins or phone. Pound coins are often easier. Parking is £1 until 8 am after 6 pm. :moneybag:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ashbourne Tunnel Entrance
Start of the Tissington Trail
The iconic tunnel marks the beginning of a scenic journey, perfect for cyclists and walkers.

Tissington Trail
Starts at Ashbourne Tunnel
A picturesque 24-mile trail offering stunning Derbyshire scenery, ideal for cycling and walking.

Tunnel Cafe
Near Ashbourne Tunnel car park
A convenient spot for refreshments before or after your trail adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Trail Access
Trail Etiquette & Enjoyment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Careful Car Park Entry
The car park entrance has a sharp turn and one-way system; drive cautiously. :car:
💰 Parking Payment Options
Pay with pound coins or phone. Pound coins are often easier. Parking is £1 until 8 am after 6 pm. :moneybag:
🚴♂️ Trail Etiquette
Cyclists, be mindful of walkers and follow signage for shared path use. :cyclist:
🚶♀️ Scenic Route Options
Combine the trail with Dovedale and Thorpe for a longer, varied walk. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Careful Car Park Entry
The car park entrance has a sharp turn and one-way system; drive cautiously. :car:
💰 Parking Payment Options
Pay with pound coins or phone. Pound coins are often easier. Parking is £1 until 8 am after 6 pm. :moneybag:
🚴♂️ Trail Etiquette
Cyclists, be mindful of walkers and follow signage for shared path use. :cyclist:
🚶♀️ Scenic Route Options
Combine the trail with Dovedale and Thorpe for a longer, varied walk. :hiking_boot:
☕ Refreshment Stops
Cafes are available along the Tissington Trail for breaks and snacks. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ashbourne Tunnel and Tissington Trail for its accessibility, scenic beauty, and family-friendly nature. The convenient parking and facilities at the tunnel entrance are frequently highlighted as positives. Some cyclists note the need for awareness regarding other trail users.
"Good car park for blue badge users as they can park for free. This is also the best place to start a walk up the tissington trail as it starts here up through the tunnels. Also good for then walking into town as the big supermarket is just across the road, and iconic tunnel cafe nearby."
Jody Bunting
"I parked my car, and paid with cash. I went after 6pm and it was £1 until 8am. Machine takes pound coins or can pay with phone, though pound coins seemed a lot easier. The entrance to the parking has a one way system that seems more like a blind bend,so be careful and coming in from the main road is a sharp turn. Drive safe. The Ashbourne tunnel is at the far side of the car park to the leisure centre, this leads on to the tissington trail."
Paul Rogers
"Great place to park,Toilets,bike hire and shop.We walked the trail from Ashbourne to tissington,stopped for a coffee and a snack.then continued to Alsop.
We came off the trail there and picked up the path up the hill across the top and the down in to Dovedale.Walked along the river to Thorpe.turned left at the stepping stones over the fields and rejoined the trail back to Asbourne.Great walk Beautiful scenery."
John
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ashbourne Tunnel is located near the Ashbourne Leisure Centre. The car park is the best access point. Be aware of the sharp turn and one-way system when entering from the main road.
Yes, there is a car park adjacent to the tunnel. It offers free parking for blue badge holders and has a payment system for others, costing £1 from 6 PM to 8 AM.
Yes, bike hire is available at the Ashbourne end of the Tissington Trail, making it convenient to start your cycling adventure.
While specific bus routes to the immediate tunnel area might vary, Ashbourne town itself is served by local bus services. From the town centre, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the tunnel and trail access. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
The car park is accessible, and the Tissington Trail itself is largely flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to access or walk through the Ashbourne Tunnel. It serves as an entry point to the Tissington Trail.
The tunnel itself is always accessible as it's part of an outdoor trail. The car park has specific hours and charges, with overnight parking available after 6 PM for £1 until 8 AM.
The Tissington Trail is a public footpath and cycleway, so there is no entry fee to use it.
The main consideration is respecting other trail users, especially cyclists who may be travelling at speed. Always follow signage and be courteous.
While the tunnel is always open, visiting at night might be less safe and enjoyable due to limited lighting. The car park has overnight charges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Facilities include toilets, bike hire, and a cafe nearby. The car park is also a key amenity for visitors.
The Tissington Trail is a mostly flat, 24-mile route through scenic Derbyshire countryside, popular for cycling and walking.
The trail is 24 miles long. A leisurely walk could take a full day, while cycling can cover significant distances in a few hours. Many people do sections of the trail.
Absolutely! The trail offers beautiful countryside views, charming villages, and the unique experience of passing through tunnels.
You can expect to see various bird species, and if you're lucky, small mammals. The surrounding countryside is rich with natural beauty.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an iconic tunnel cafe located near the Ashbourne Tunnel car park, perfect for a snack or drink.
Yes, there are cafes located at various points along the 24-mile trail, allowing you to stop for refreshments during your journey.
Certainly! Many visitors enjoy picnics along the Tissington Trail. Remember to take all your litter home with you to keep the trail clean.
Ashbourne town, located near the tunnel, offers a range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants for more substantial meals. The large supermarket is also conveniently located across the road from the car park.
While specific menus can change, most cafes along popular trails offer a selection of vegetarian options. It's always a good idea to check with the cafe directly for vegan choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The entrance and exit of the tunnel itself make for dramatic shots. The surrounding countryside and the trail stretching out offer many scenic photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most beautiful golden hour shots, highlighting the landscape. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and airspace restrictions. Always check with relevant authorities and ensure you have permission before flying a drone in public areas. Respect privacy of other visitors.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expanse of the trail and countryside. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies.
Beyond the tunnel, look for charming bridges, picturesque villages like Tissington, and the rolling hills of the Peak District.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy along the way, or stop at one of the cafes dotted along the trail for a treat. The novelty of cycling through the tunnel is often a highlight for younger visitors. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and be mindful of cyclists who may be travelling at speed.
🚴♀️ Cycling Enthusiasts
Bike hire is readily available at the Ashbourne end, making it easy to start your ride. The trail is well-maintained and offers scenic views throughout. Be prepared for other users, and remember that while the trail is long, there are cafes along the route to split up longer rides.
🚶♂️ Walkers and Hikers
A popular extended walk involves connecting to Dovedale and Thorpe, offering a more varied terrain and stunning river scenery. The trail is well-signposted, and the presence of cafes provides opportunities for rest and refreshments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Tissington Trail
Cyclists will find the predominantly downhill return journey from Dowlow to Ashbourne particularly enjoyable after an uphill start. Along the way, you'll find convenient cafes and refreshment stops, allowing you to break up your journey and refuel. Remember to be considerate of other trail users, as the path can get busy, especially during peak times.
For those looking for a more extensive adventure, the Tissington Trail can be combined with other local paths. A popular option mentioned by visitors is to connect to Dovedale and Thorpe, creating a longer, more varied walk that showcases the diverse beauty of the region.
Practicalities: Parking and Facilities
When arriving by car, be aware of the car park's entrance. It features a one-way system that can feel like a blind bend, so proceed with caution. Payment for parking is straightforward, accepting both pound coins and phone payments, though pound coins are noted as being easier to use. The parking charges are reasonable, with an overnight rate of £1 from 6 PM to 8 AM.
Beyond the immediate car park, the iconic tunnel cafe is a popular spot for a quick bite or a warming drink, adding to the convenience and enjoyment of your visit. The proximity to a large supermarket across the road also offers further options for supplies.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit