Image shared for Tissington Trail: Parsley Hay, Hartington Station and Heathcote
Countryside Out & back

Tissington Trail: Parsley Hay, Hartington Station and Heathcote

Derbyshire

Distance
5.1 mi
Est. time
2h 30m
Difficulty
Easy
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Follow the former railway from Parsley Hay through the open limestone countryside of the White Peak. This out-and-back stays on the surfaced Tissington Trail, passing cuttings, embankments and the old signal box at Hartington Station before turning round at the trail bridge on the approach to Heathcote. Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes for the 8 km return walk, including short rests and time at the railway landmarks.

Start at the public pay-and-display Parsley Hay car park, reached from the A515. Use the short car park connector to the trail in front of the cycle hire centre, turn south and cross the first bridge. At the fork, keep right onto the Tissington Trail rather than following the High Peak Trail. Stay on the railway route around Lean Low, cross the bridge by Hartington Station and continue south towards Heathcote. Turn back at the next trail bridge and retrace the same route to Parsley Hay. The station is outside Hartington village, so this walk does not enter the village.

The track has a compacted surface and gentle railway gradients, with gates or bollards and exposed sections where wind and rain can be noticeable. Share the trail with cyclists and horse riders and keep dogs under close control. Parsley Hay has toilets, picnic seating and a refreshment kiosk; opening times and availability vary. Pay the current parking tariff and check signs before setting off. The route uses the National Park Authority's mapped easy-access corridor, stopping at the Heathcote bridge rather than entering Ruby Wood. Check current trail notices before travelling.

Route and visitor information: Peak District National Park Authority, Parsley Hay Miles without Stiles map and Tissington Trail guidance, checked 4 October 2026. https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/miles-without-stiles/parsley-hay

Walk details

County
Derbyshire
Walk type
Out & back
Category
Countryside
Distance
5.1 mi (8.1 km)
Est. time
2h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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