Walk The White Peak Loop in 4 days

Continue towards Rowsley, this pretty village has a luxury hotel, The Peacock, a pub, The Grouse and Claret and shops, restaurants and entertainment at Peak Village. After exiting Old Station Close car park join the footway alongside the A6. Cross the River Derwent and turn right onto Church Lane past The Peacock. At the end of the Lane continue uphill on the public bridleway and follow the route through the Haddon estate, with far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. Over 900 years old, Haddon Hall is one of the country’s most elegant, historically important, and timeless stately homes.

Continue straight ahead until you reach the bottom of the Monsal Trail where there is a short ramp to join the trail. Carry straight on along Coombs Road to explore the delights of Bakewell, a pretty market town perhaps best known for its unique and delicious Pudding, but it has many other tempting treats to offer. Stay on / rejoin the Monsal Trail and you’ll soon be at Hassop Station where you can enjoy delicious refreshments in the cafe.

From Hassop Station continue along the Monsal Trail and at the second bridge before Thornbridge Hall join the footway alongside the A6020 into Ashford-in -the- Water for your first nights stay at the Ashford Arms.

Take the footpath off the A6020 through Thornbridge Hall to rejoin the Monsal Trail and continue towards Millers Dale. Don’t forget your camera as you’ll want to take some pictures of the stunning views of the valley across the River Wye from Monsal Head Viaduct.

Continue to Millers Dale, a exceptionally beautiful section of the River Wye, here you find the Goods Shed a National Park Ranger Centre. Learn a little more about the old railway line and treat yourself to delicious refreshments.

Continue to the end of the trail at Blackwell Mill where you will connect to the Pennine Bridleway National Trail and climb steeply towards Beech Croft Farm Campsite, and take care as you saunter along the country lanes to cross to the A515 Ashbourne Road at Dowlow. Here you can join the High Peak Trail and head south towards Hurdlow. Worth a stop for a great pub meal is The Royal Oak at Hurdlow, or for ice cream fans Tagg Lane diary is a short detour off the route near Monyash. Continue along the High Peak Trail to Parsley Hay, here you’ll find refreshment and picnic opportunities – as well as toilets (including disabled) and a picnic area.
Keep left when the trail forks and follow the High Peak Trail passing under the road.

Continue along the High Peak Trail to Parsley Hay, here you’ll find the Peak National Park Cycle Centre - here there is a small shop with a tempting selection of refreshments – including homemade cakes – as well as toilets (including disabled) and a picnic area.

In about 1km come off the High Peak Trail at Green Lane and turn right towards the A515 close to the Jug and Glass where you can stay the night.

You could extend the route south from Parsley Hay by diverting down the Tissington Trail to visit the pretty villages of Hartington and Tissington. Tissington is a perfect picture book village with beautiful cottages built around a noble old hall, fine church and duck pond. Home of the FitzHerbert family for over 400 years and it is their splendid Jacobean residence at the Hall.

Rejoin the High Peak Trail along the old railway track bed past Gotham and the impressive landmark of Minninglow, an ancient buriel site. Enjoy delightful views of the surrounding countryside through to Middleton Top. The site has a gift shop, cycle hire, toilets and picnic area. The Middleton Top Engine House is open to the public on certain weekends throughout the year. A short detour of the route near here is the historic market town of Wirksworth and the National Stone Centre, with a Discovery Centre, Rock Shop and café is worth a visit.

In Wirksworth you’ll find you’re final overnight accommodation at The Old Lock Up.

Continue along the trail to High Peak Junction and then join the narrow towpath that runs alongside the Cromford Canal. The nearby village of Cromford, is forever associated with Sir Richard Arkwright as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and forms part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. At Cromford Wharf cross over into Cromford Mills (link) which offers guided tours, a visitor centre with shops and a café. Rejoin the route through The Mills car park and along Church Walk to join the footway alongside the Derby Road (A6) for a short while passing Masson Mills.

At Cromford Wharf follow Church walk to the River Derwent and pass Scarthin Rock and Cromford Mills following the riverside trail. Drop onto Derby Road (A6) for short while passing Masson Mills until you reach Matlock Bath. Matlock Bath has a long street lined with quirky shops, cafés, amusement arcades and fabulous fish & chips restaurants. The walking route leaves the A6 here and follows the Derwent Valley Heritage Way footpath across the River Derwent (look out for yellow arrows on a purple background) up and over High Tor to Matlock.

Continue following the Derwent Valley Heritage Way footpath alongside the river around Pic Tor and through Hall Lees Park into Matlock town centre or take a left across the bridge to Matlock Railway station.

Congratulations you’ve completed The White Peak Loop!

Walk a little further each day and complete the route in 2 or 3 days instead, here are some suggestiions of where you can stay on route.

2-day walk: average 22 miles per day – Starting in Matlock and camping overnight at The Royal Oak near Hurdlow - suitable for hardcore backpackers.

3-day walk: average 14 miles per day – Starting Matlock overnight at YHA Ravenstor and YHA Hartington - a budget friendly option.