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Pedal through the Peak district on this easy route through the limestone ravine of Dovedale, finishing with superb views of the White Peak's undulating green dales.

Cutting on Tissington Trail nr Heathcote.

Distance - 13 miles (21km)

Classification - Easy

Start - Station Road, Ashbourne DE6

Finish - Parsley Hay SK17

Duration - 2 hours

Route - NCN route 68

Maps
South Yorkshire and Peak District cycle map
Cycling in the Midlands
OS Explorer OL24, 259
OS Landranger 119
OS Landranger 128


Route notes
The Tissington trail follows the route of the old Buxton to Ashbourne railway – opened in 1899, closed in 1966 – passing through the stunning Peak District. The trail passes Dovedale, the dramatic limestone ravine with its remarkable scenery and famous stepping stones over the river Dove. There are superb views of the White Peak's undulating green dales towards Alsop-en-le-Dale too. If you want to extend your ride, you can pick up the High Peak trail at Parsley Hay.


Terrain and gradients
It's an easy, traffic-free ride, great for young children, and flat, apart from one steep incline. Crushed limestone surface.


How to get there/away
Drive and park at Ashbourne (the nearest railway station is Derby, a good hour's cycle away).


What to see
Dovedale, a limestone wonder of crags, caves and gorges, is well worth a detour. The trail also skirts Tissington, one of the most picturesque villages in England, and Tissington Hall, a Jacobean mansion that has been home to eight generations of the FitzHerbert family. Stop for a tour of the hall and garden if it's open. Hartington is pretty, with an excellent cheese shop, which was once part of the village creamery. There is usually an explosion of butterflies on the trail in summer. Look out for the common blue and the red admiral.