
Two linked former railway lines offer over 30 miles of seriously-well-surfaced pathways, starting just south of Buxton and stretching as far as Ashbourne, (on the Tissington Trail) and Cromford, (on the High Peak Trail / Midshires Way / Pennine Bridleway). Don’t let the plethora of route names put you off, nor the mention of 30 miles. You can, if you are feeling laid-back enough, simply park up at Hurdlow, just off the A515, stroll along as far as the first bridge and then return to pop over the road to The Royal Oak, (open all day for truly wonderful food and fine ales) and feel thoroughly satisfied with yourself, having had half an hour’s worth of fresh air and easy exercise. Or, you might attempt something more ambitious, the choice is yours; the atmosphere of the trail is supremely unpressured, whatever.


If you have brought wheels, the joy of cycling on traffic-free routes is exhilarating; normally this means looking out for pot-holes as “traffic-free” so often equates to a mountain bike experience, but the surfaces of the High Peak and Tissington trails are so well laid and maintained, the only thing to look out for is the occasional cyclist coming from the opposite direction. These fine surfaces make the trail especially suitable for very young cyclists and are also easily accessible to wheelchair users.

The staff at either of these places can advise you on further routes that use the trail, while maps and guides are also on offer if you want to use the network to explore surrounding countryside.
Parsley Hay (Tel 01298 84493)
Middleton Top (Tel 01629 823204)
Simon Corble.