Tissington Trail by Bike

Start, parking & getting there

Most riders start at Mapleton Lane on the edge of Ashbourne, where there is a pay-and-display car park, toilets and cycle hire; the trail also continues through the lit Church Street tunnel into Ashbourne town centre. Other car parks sit at Thorpe, Tissington, Alsop, Hartington Station and Parsley Hay, so it is easy to ride a shorter section. There is no station in Ashbourne — the nearest rail links are Buxton to the north (a hilly ride to the trail) and Derby, so most people arrive by car.

The ride

The line climbs steadily but gently from Ashbourne past Thorpe (for Thorpe Cloud and Dovedale), Tissington village with its hall, church and duck pond, and on through open limestone country to Hartington Station and Parsley Hay. Close to Mapleton Lane there is a short, steep dip where an old viaduct was removed — walk it if in doubt. At Parsley Hay the trail meets the High Peak Trail if you want to extend the ride.

Supplies: food, water, bike shops & repairs

There are cafés or refreshment kiosks at Mapleton Lane and Parsley Hay, tea rooms in Tissington village (a short detour) and seasonal refreshments at Hartington's old signal box. Cycle hire is available at the Ashbourne end and at Parsley Hay — operators have changed in recent years, so check who runs each centre and their opening times before you travel. Ashbourne has shops and bike servicing; there is little in between, so carry water and a basic repair kit.

Where to camp or stay

YHA Hartington Hall is a short ride from Hartington Station, and Ashbourne has hotels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. There are several campsites around Ashbourne, Thorpe and Hartington — book ahead in summer. Wild camping is not generally legal in England without the landowner's permission.

Bike, kit & safety

The crushed-limestone surface suits hybrids, gravel and mountain bikes and is fine for kids' bikes and trailers. Remember the whole route rises towards Parsley Hay, so save energy for the outward leg and enjoy the return. The trail is shared with walkers and horse riders, the high White Peak can be windy and cold, and a light is useful in the Ashbourne tunnel and on grey afternoons.