Route Outline
Day 1
You arrive in Ashbourne, one of Derbyshire’s finest old market towns, to spend the night in a fabulous coaching inn or delightful bed & breakfast.

Day 2 - 11½ Miles
You leave the town through quiet back streets, briefly following the Tissington Trail, you cross a low ridge to arrive in the picturesque village of Thorpe. From here you drop down passing the steep pyramid of Thorpe Cloud to arrive in Dovedale at the famous stepping stones. Following the dale north along easy paths you pass the Twelve Apostles, Tissington Spires, Ilam Rock, Dove Holes and all the other celebrated features of the valley to arrive at the attractive hamlet of Milldale.

Continuing north along the now quieter dale, still on easy paths, you pass through the magically named Wolfscote Dale, then Beresford Dale to arrive for a well deserved evenings rest in the beautiful small market town of Hartington.

Day 3 - 13 Miles
You leave Hartington alongside the famous Cheese Shop to gently climb onto the wide grassy ridge between Dovedale and the river Manifold. Enjoy the extensive views across Derbyshire and Staffordshire, passing ancient farms on delightful paths through fields to arrive in the village of Longnor, perched on the hill and unchanged for generations.

After lunch you continue north passing the amazing fossilised coral reefs of upper Dovedale, with the exciting option of climbing Chrome Hill the "Dragons Back", one of the few true "Peaks" of the Peak District! From here you continue north to the famous spa town of Buxton, the cultural centre of the area. Why not extend your stay with another night in Buxton, giving you the chance to explore this amazing Victorian town or to see a performance at the famous Opera House?