4.9
(68)
1,067
riders
Tissington Trail
03:01
43.9km
380m
Cycling
Embark on a moderate touring bicycle ride along the Tissington Trail, covering 27.3 miles (43.9 km) with an elevation gain of 1231 feet (375 metres). This journey through the Derbyshire Dales offers a relaxed pace, taking about 3 hours to complete. You will cycle through rolling hills and lush fields,…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
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Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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750 m
Ashbourne Tunnel
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
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7.46 km
Tissington Trail
Highlight • Cycleway
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14.9 km
Tissington Trail Viaduct
Highlight • Monument
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21.4 km
Tissington Trail Summit
Highlight • Trail
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21.9 km
Parsley Hay Visitor Centre and Bike Hire
Highlight • Cycleway
The snack bar doesn't have inside …
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22.0 km
Parsley Hay Bike Repair Station
Highlight • Rest Area
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43.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
38.6 km
4.83 km
220 m
127 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
34.8 km
4.24 km
4.20 km
615 m
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Elevation
Highest point (350 m)
Lowest point (130 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 5 May
12°C
4°C
22 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park to access the Tissington Trail?
You can find parking facilities at both ends of the trail, in Ashbourne and at Parsley Hay Visitor Centre and Bike Hire. There are also car parks in the village of Tissington and other points along the route.
What is the terrain like for cycling on the trail?
The trail primarily follows a disused railway line, offering a largely flat and well-maintained compacted surface. While generally smooth, some areas can be coarser, so wider tires might be beneficial. There is a relatively steep incline near Mappleton.
Is the Tissington Trail suitable for beginners and families?
Yes, the trail is considered easy and is ideal for cyclists of all skill levels, including families with children and beginners. Its mostly flat, traffic-free nature makes it very accessible.
What are the best times of year to cycle the Tissington Trail?
The trail offers beauty year-round. Spring and summer are vibrant with wildflowers, while autumn brings rich colors. Even winter can be serene with a layer of snow. For comfortable cycling, spring through autumn are generally preferred.
Are dogs allowed on the Tissington Trail?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trail. Please ensure they are kept on a lead and that you clean up after them to help keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the trail or enter the Peak District National Park?
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Tissington Trail or to enter the Peak District National Park. However, some car parks along the route may charge a fee.
What interesting sights or landmarks can I see along the route?
You'll pass through the Ashbourne Tunnel, cross the impressive Tissington Trail Viaduct, and reach the Tissington Trail Summit. The trail also goes through the picturesque village of Tissington and offers views towards Dovedale.
Does the Tissington Trail connect with other cycling routes?
Yes, the trail is part of the National Cycle Network Route 68. It also joins the High Peak Trail at Parsley Hay, allowing for longer rides or circular routes. The route also passes through sections of the Pennine Cycleway.
Are there places to rent bikes along the trail?
Yes, bike hire facilities are available at key starting points, including Ashbourne and the Parsley Hay Visitor Centre and Bike Hire.
What's a strategic tip for cycling the Tissington Trail?
If you prefer a more gradual ascent, consider starting your ride from Ashbourne and cycling north towards Parsley Hay. The return journey will then be a gentle downhill, making it feel easier. Conversely, starting at Parsley Hay means a continuous, gradual climb on the way out.
Are there cafes or pubs along the Tissington Trail?
Yes, you'll find charming villages like Tissington and Hartington along or near the trail, which offer cafes, pubs, and shops (such as Hartington's famous cheese shop) where you can stop for refreshments.
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Trail Reviews
Out on the Tissington trail with Jo, a nice steady ride out and back, no rush, no hassle, and great weather😃😃😃.
Thanks so much to @Nicola Minimicroadventures for organising the @Adventure Queens rally... sadly I could only join for some of it but didnt want to leave! So glad I went thanks for orgnaising it 💚
Amazing views from start to finish lots of places to stop for a drink and bite to eat on this route ideal for all riders
A warm and not too sunny day saw us cycle the White Peaks Tissington Trail from Thorpe car Nr Ashbourne up to Parsley Hay and back again on my butterfly bar adapted Mercian and Cathie's Speed. Very comfortable the Mercian is too over fine gravel paths, the tyres could do with being 10mm wider for surer grip on loose gravel sections but was a joy to ride. Total of 21.6 miles, 10.8 miles each way, a gentle climb most of the way up with only one a short descent of 80ft then another climb of about the same gave a height climbed of around 700 feet to Parsley Hay in 1hr 20min which was our lunch stop. Lovely views of farmland and open moorland all the way up and back and many happy people cycling and walking on the everything from Bromptons to eMTBs. The return trip was somewhat faster - 1 hr in total.
Another glorious day it didn't feel as hot as the promised 26C due to the cooling breeze and thin high cloud. After some debate we did the Tissington Trail starting from Parsley Hay where we saw a group who had arrived with horses in boxes and were setting off to ride them back to the start of the trail near Dunlow. The trail climbs slightly to Hartington where the old signal box has become a coffee / ice cream stall then long gentle down through Alsop and Tissington stations as were to a short steeper descent into Ashbourne through a seriously large tunnel into the town. Points of interest include the Istrian Kazun, a stone shelter gifted to the UK by Croatia and a farm which appear to only produce condensed milk. Again many many people out including quite a few family groups and some on trikes from the hire place at Parsley Hay and many more on hired non-ebikes but including one large woman on an ebike trying to keep up with someone on a non-ebike she apparently thought brakes were for wimps and she had priority as she touched my right bar whilst overtaking me and squeezing herself between me and two on coming cyclists. There were also many walkers including one woman who had one dog on a lead and a very small one, which has back problems, in a back pack. We had lunch at Ashbourne then set off back making constant use of the welcome e-assist up the long slope. On the way I had passed the interesting total of 7777.7 miles on the bike and Cathie wanted to see the 4000.0 clocked on hers so we continued through Parsley Hay on what is actually the High Peak trail to Dowlow, 3.5 miles further on, turned round to return to Parsley Hay for badly needed cake and tea. I would not have reckoned in climbing 1000 feet over the 17 miles of that trail.