Tissington Trail
A scenic, traffic-free former railway line perfect for cycling and walking, offering beautiful Derbyshire countryside views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier downhill return
Tissington Trail
Best Time
Easier downhill return
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic, traffic-free former railway line perfect for cycling and walking, offering beautiful Derbyshire countryside views.
"The outward journey is inclined so harder than the return journey. The paths are well kept and the views are stunning."
🎯 Start in Ashbourne
Begin in Ashbourne for an uphill outward journey and an easier downhill return. :bike:
🅿️ Parking Options
Ample parking at Ashbourne Leisure Centre (£2.50 for evening) and Parsley Hay. :parking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ashbourne Start Point
Ashbourne
Well-equipped with bike hire, parking, toilets, and a cafe. The perfect launchpad for your adventure.
Parsley Hay Hub
Parsley Hay
Another key stop with bike hire and facilities, offering a different perspective on the trail.
Carsington Water Detour
Off-trail access
A scenic detour to Carsington Water provides beautiful reservoir views and additional recreational opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Start Your Journey in Ashbourne
Trail Gradients and Bike Hire
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Staying in southern peak district (Ashbourne) for a week, what's some good things to do , places to hike with for a family of four (kids are twelve and eight years old)?
🎯 Start in Ashbourne
Begin in Ashbourne for an uphill outward journey and an easier downhill return. :bike:
🅿️ Parking Options
Ample parking at Ashbourne Leisure Centre (£2.50 for evening) and Parsley Hay. :parking:
Travel help!
What are some of the "Must Stay" campervan spots within the UK?
🚴 Bike Hire Availability
Rent bikes at Ashbourne or Parsley Hay for a convenient cycling experience. :rental_car:
💧 Hydration & Snacks
Carry water and snacks, though cafes and pubs are available along the route. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Start in Ashbourne
Begin in Ashbourne for an uphill outward journey and an easier downhill return. :bike:
🅿️ Parking Options
Ample parking at Ashbourne Leisure Centre (£2.50 for evening) and Parsley Hay. :parking:
🚴 Bike Hire Availability
Rent bikes at Ashbourne or Parsley Hay for a convenient cycling experience. :rental_car:
💧 Hydration & Snacks
Carry water and snacks, though cafes and pubs are available along the route. :water_wave:
🚶♀️ Walking & Running
The trail is well-maintained and suitable for walking and running too. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tissington Trail for its beautiful scenery and well-maintained path, making it ideal for cycling and walking. The incline from Ashbourne is noted as a challenge on the way out but a joy on the return. While facilities are good, some wish for more varied food options directly on the trail.
"We came in from Ashbourne and hired bikes at the start of the trail. The outward journey is inclined so harder than the return journey. The paths are well kept and the views are stunning. Stop of points along the way can break up the trail. You can go off the trail to Carsington waters too. We went up to Parsley Hay where the other bike hire shop is located. There is a pub off the trail as well as food and drinks stops. It is a lovely trail for cycling or walking and we really enjoyed doing 27 plus miles for the afternoon, followed with a few drinks back in Ashbourne"
Paul McNamara
"A great place to walk, run or bike. From Ashbourne there is a continual uphill gradient, which is fine, but be aware it's not level. That means that when you come back, it's downhill so much easier and quicker 👍 There are toilets, a large car park (which takes coins or card), small cafe and bike hire shop at the start near Ashbourne."
M H
"One of the best trails in the United Kingdom. At the bottom in Ashbourne is a great place to start as it's up hill into the High Peak. There is lots of car parks and stops on the way which makes it perfect to segment. It always shocks me how quiet the trail is for something some stunning and free!"
Jody Bunting
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach the Tissington Trail from Derby is by car, heading towards Ashbourne. If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus to Ashbourne and then cycle or walk the Tissington Trail towards Thorpe Cloud.
Many visitors recommend starting in Ashbourne, as it allows for an uphill outward journey and a much easier, downhill return.
There are several parking areas, including a large car park at the start near Ashbourne (around £2.50 for an evening) and facilities at Parsley Hay.
While buses go to Ashbourne, direct public transport to specific trail access points can be limited. A car is often the most effective method for reaching the trail.
The Tissington Trail is approximately 13 miles (21 km) long, running between Ashbourne and Parsley Hay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Tissington Trail itself is free to access for walking and cycling. Parking fees may apply at designated car parks.
No, tickets are not required for general access to the Tissington Trail. You only need to consider booking bike hire in advance during peak seasons.
The Tissington Trail is generally accessible from dawn till dusk. Facilities like bike hire shops and cafes will have their own operating hours.
Yes, toilets are available at key points along the trail, including the start in Ashbourne and at Parsley Hay.
Dogs are welcome on the Tissington Trail, but they must be kept on a lead, especially in areas with cyclists and other visitors.
🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience
Absolutely! The Tissington Trail is a fantastic route for cycling, with a well-maintained, compacted surface. It's popular for bike rides and bike tours.
The trail is mostly flat and compacted, with a noticeable uphill gradient from Ashbourne. This makes the return journey significantly easier.
Yes, the Tissington Trail is also a popular choice for walking and running. The clear path and scenic views make it enjoyable for pedestrians.
There are cafes and pubs located both at the start in Ashbourne and at stops like Parsley Hay. Some reviews mention pubs just off the trail.
Visitors have reported seeing plenty of wildlife along the trail, adding to the natural beauty of the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The trail offers lovely scenic views, especially with the changing seasons. Look out for remnants of the old railway, wildlife, and the expansive countryside.
Yes, the Tissington Trail provides ample opportunities for photography, from sweeping landscapes to charming details of the old railway line.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography, while midday provides clear views of the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Walkers and Runners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Tissington Trail
When planning your Tissington Trail bike ride, consider the gradient. While the outward journey from Ashbourne is inclined, the return is significantly easier, allowing you to cover more ground quickly. This is particularly beneficial for families with younger children, as noted by reviewers who found the downhill return 'brilliant' and much faster than the outward journey.
For those looking for a Tissington Trail cycle route with options, consider extending your ride to Carsington Water or exploring the connected High Peak Trail from Parsley Hay. The Tissington Trail map with distances is helpful for planning your route, whether you're aiming for a short walk or a longer cycling tour. Remember to check the operating hours for bike hire and any cafes or pubs along the way to ensure a seamless experience.
Walking and Exploring the Tissington Trail
When embarking on a Tissington Trail walking route, you can choose to start from various points, with Ashbourne being a common and convenient option due to its facilities. The trail is dotted with points of interest, including historical markers from its railway past and opportunities to spot local wildlife. For those looking for a Tissington Trail short walk, sections near Ashbourne or Parsley Hay offer pleasant strolls without committing to the entire length.
Beyond the main trail, there are opportunities for exploration. A detour to Carsington Water offers beautiful reservoir views and additional walking paths. For those interested in a more challenging hike, the trail connects to the High Peak Trail, providing a more rugged experience. Regardless of your chosen route, the Tissington Trail walking map will be your guide to discovering the charm of this former railway line.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit