Pilsbury Castle and Tissington Trail

Although the Pilsbury Castle & Tissington Trail in Peak District NP is fairly well-marked and maintained, there are a few stretches along the open farmland terrain that can be hard to navigate and a bit overgrown. Be sure to wear proper walking footwear and trousers to avoid getting caught up in the thick brush that can be found at some of the stiles along the trail. If you are looking for a good place to rest and get refreshments, try visiting the Blueberry Kiosk just before the Tissington Trail at roughly the halfway point.

Setting out from the trailhead in the village of Hartington, follow along Hide Lane to the north to make your way uphill through the countryside until you reach a farm. Take the path left here to continue north through the fields and eventually arrive at an intersection in the trail. Head left here to make your way through a series of stiles and pass by Pilsbury village on the way to the site of the motte-and-bailey castle. Once you arrive at the location of the Norman Conquest Era fortifications, take in the beautiful views of the surrounding riverside landscape before heading back along the same trail to pass straight through the intersection.

Continue east along the trail, where you will eventually come to the hamlet of Parsley Hay and the aforementioned Blueberry Kiosk. After taking a short rest break here, continue south along the Tissington Trail, as it cuts across the undulating hills of the Derbyshire landscape and eventually arrives in the village of Heathcote. After walking a bit further south to meet up with the Waterloo Inn Campsite, head west along the road and follow Highfield Lane to make your way back to the starting point of your walk in Hartington.

Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park

Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.