A lovely route from Hartington’s old railway station. Payment required for the car park, there are toilets and a lovely takeaway in the old signal box selling drinks, ice-creams and a selection of food.
The route begins on the Tissington Trail, a former trainline, now a traffic free cycle, horse and walking route from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay. Leave the car park at the far end past the toilet block and bear left onto the flat and wide path. The path quality is good and flat and suitable for wheelchairs and prams. After rain the puddles may cover the path in places, but will not be deep or too muddy. Pass under a bridge and shortly after the steeped banks drop to provide lovely views.
Cross a bridge with a footpath under it, there is no way down to the footpath from here, so continue until you reach some steps heading up to the right. From here underfoot conditions and accessibility change significantly. Head up the steps and follow the path signposted to Heathcote. The onward path is through grassy fields and little walked in places, waterproof shoes may be useful in dew or after rain. There may be cows in the fields and there are lots of stiles and squeeze stiles to cross. Careful navigation is required to ensure you follow the route across the fields, though onward stiles and gates are often visible as you enter a field.
Cross the fields towards the farm at Heathcote and as you approach the buildings keep to the left of the big grey barn and head towards the house. As you reach the wall by the house turn right and go through the gate to the road. Follow the road through the village and go straight ahead at the cross roads. Turn right onto a gravel and grassy track signposted to Hartington Old Station. Enjoy the views to your left and follow the footpath (signposted) alongside field boundaries and over stiles to reach an obvious path between two walls. Follow this back to the Tissington Trail. Bear left and the car park is just ahead.
