🗺️ The route
Free to viewStarting in the beautiful village of Hartington you’ll head out on the farm track and follow the river towards Crowdicote and Longnor. This walk is easy to navigate as it stays on the tarmac track until you reach Pilsbury Castle, which is actually an 11th century Norman motte and Bailey fortress, not a castle as the name suggests.
What to expect
A great walk all year round due to the hard track, there’s minimal traffic use it too as it is a gated access and only for a handful of houses.
Just before you go through the second road gate, look out for a disused mine on your right hand side, its usually open if you want to explore deeper although you may need a torch. Pilsbury Castle is in a beautiful setting, you’ll feel like you’re the only one for miles around and you get amazing views over to ‘The Dragon’s Back’ on a clear day.
Getting there & parking
Parsons Field car park – SK17 0BE. Cheap parking compared to many places in the area, with option for overnight parking too. There is also limited on road parking but it does fill up quickly on busy days. You’ll find toilets opposite this car park.
Good to know
Not on the route itself, but there are some nearby.
On lead only.
Expect tarmac track, riverside path underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 5.5 Miles
- 3 Hours
- Easy–Moderate
An easy to follow out and back route. On leaving Hartington, head past the duck pond and up towards the doctors surgery before picking up the gated access farm track. A great spot for a summer sunset picnic. Why not pick up some cheese to take with you from Hartington dairy in the village.
Step-by-step
- From Hartington, head past the duck pond and towards the doctors surgery.
- Follow this gated road for approximately 2.5 miles and you'll reach Pilsbury Castle.
- You'll follow the same way back on your return.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
Tips & what to bring
A great year round, easy to follow route away from the crowds. There’s a number of independent small shops in the village, perfect for souvenirs or snacks for your walk, if you’d prefer.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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Our everyday pick We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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Always in the pack Ads wearsRevolutionRace Waterproof Jacket
Bright, fully waterproof shell for proper British weather. Ads' go-to in the orange.
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Room for water & snacks Char usesDeuter Speed Lite 23
Lightweight, low-bulk pack for fast, lighter days.
