Day 1: Arrive Hartington
You will stay at Hartington YHA, this 17th century manor house was the Peak Districts 1st YHA & features log fires, oak panelling & a bedroom where Bonnie Prince Charlie once slept.
Day 2: Hartington Loop (13 miles)
A series of traffic free bridleways takes you away from Hartington through the attractive village of Biggin to join the Pennine Bridleway. This fantastic gentle off road trail takes you Northwards along the High Peak Trail to Parsley Hay. A short detour away from the trail takes you to Arbor Low Henge. This Neolithic stone circle is said the date to 2000BC and played an important part in the ceremonies & markets of Middle Stone age man. A superb quiet country lane takes you along the almost traffic free gorge at Long Dale back to Hartington.
Day 3: Hartington - Ilam (10 miles)
Travelling South you will take to quiet country lanes through green fields criss crossed with mile upon mile of drystone walls. You will pass through the ancient & remote village of Alstonefield which has a church dating back to 892 AD and still retains the Norman doorway & chancel arch dating to 1100. Cycle by the crystal clear waters of The River Dove to Milldale – a superb place to stop for a break! The scenery becomes much more dramatic as you descend to Ilam & the spectacular scenery at Dovedale. You will stay in another showcase YHA at the Victorian Gothic mansion at Ilam Hall.
Day 4: Ilam - Hartington (14 miles)
A short climb away from Ilam passes through Thorpe to join another traffic free bridleway along the Tissington Trail to the Estate village of Tissington. The small village has an imposing Hall, fine church & well kept pond. The village is well known for its ancient tradition of well dressing which is still upheld throughout the Peak District during the Spring & Summer. The trail takes you all the way back to Hartington along the old railway track so the cycling is easy!
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