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Pilsbury Castle, Hartington & Sheen from Longnor

Peak District Walk

Nat Park - Peak District - Dove Valley Chrome Hill

County/Area - Staffordshire & Derbyshire

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 9.6 miles / 15.6 km    Ascent - 950 feet / 288 metres

Time - 5 hours 50 minutes    Grade - easy/mod

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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Pilsbury Castle, Hartington & Sheen from Longnor
Click image to see photo description.

This part of the Peak District sees fewer walkers than many parts of the National Park. The route follows the course of the River Dove south to Hartington via Pilsbury Castle and returns using a section of the Manifold Trail following its namesake river. The start is the market square in Longnor (café and pubs) at grid ref. SK088649.

This Peak District walk starts by following the road east to Crowdicote where you cross the infant River Dove just before entering the village. Once over the river turn right (grid ref. SK100651) onto a track leading towards Bridge End Farm. The track goes to the south of the farm. At a path junction (grid ref. SK101649) continue straight ahead onto a clear track. At a walled lane (grid ref. SK108644) you can either follow the path closest the river or bear left and follow a path that stays beside a wall just below some limestone outcrops. Both paths lead you to Pilsbury castle (grid ref SK115638).

After passing this former Motte and Bailey earthwork bear right and follow the path/track (with wall to your immediate right) to reach the road in Pilsbury (grid ref. SK116635). Bear left up the lane and after approximately 500 metres take the signed footpath on your right. Reaching a cross wall (grid ref. SK124634), turn right and follow the clear grassy path for one and a half miles to reach a lane (grid ref. SK130612). Turn right along the lane and after 250 metres take the walled track on your right and descend to a lane at the bottom. Turn left and walk into the centre of Hartington village with its duck pond and opportunities for refreshments.

The walk continues by turning right down an access drive beside the Cheese Shop and signed to Sheen. The path turns sharp right before the factory and continues across pastures, goes over the River Dove and continues up to the road in the village of Sheen (grid ref. SK111612). Turn left and take the first footpath on your right leading across fields to a lane through Brund village (grid ref. SK102611). Turn right and follow the lane down to a junction (grid ref. SK099614). Turn left and almost immediately take the signed Manifold Trail on your right. Follow the generally well-signed Manifold Trail for two and a half miles back to Longnor.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1861 Chrome and Parkhouse Hills from Earl Sterndaleeasy/mod5.0 miles
Walk 1185 Chrome Hill (Dragon's Back) from Hollinsclougheasy/mod4.5 miles
Walk 2531 Upper Dove Valley from Hollinscloughmoderate7.5 miles
Walk 2545 High Edge & Chrome Hill from Hollinscloughmoderate8.5 miles
Walk 2837 Parkhouse & Chrome Hills from Longnoreasy/mod6.7 miles
Walk 3445 The Dragon's Back (Chrome Hill) from Hollinscloughmoderate4.5 miles
Walk 3709 Sparklow, Crowdicote & Pilsbury Circulareasy/mod9.0 miles
Walk 1042 Pilsbury Castle from Hartingtoneasy/mod5.5 miles
Walk 2301 Biggin & Parsley Hay from Hartingtoneasy/mod9.5 miles
Walk 2079 Beresford & Wolfescote Dales from Hartingtoneasy/mod7.2 miles

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