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High Peak Trail

Cycle, horse ride or walk through some of the Derbyshire Dales most beautiful countryside on the High Peak Trail.


Middleton Top

Barbecues are not permitted at any of our sites.

The High Peak Trail is a 17.5-mile trail from High Peak Junction, near Cromford to Dowlow near Buxton.

It's a traffic-free trail suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders passing through some of Derbyshire’s finest countryside.

For those wishing to explore the trails further, the High Peak Trail joins the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay. We recommend that cyclists and horse riders follow the trail to the west of Middleton Top Countryside Centre to avoid steep inclines.

The High Peak Trail follows the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway. This was one of the world's first long-distance railway lines, built between 1825 and 1830. Many important railway buildings and features can still be seen, including High Peak Junction Workshops, Middleton Top Engine House, Hopton Tunnel and Hopton Incline.

Wildlife

Along the trail to the west of Black Rocks, we recommend you slow down to appreciate the trail verge that are rich with flowers including cowslips, orchids and wild herbs during summer.

Explore by bike

Visitors wishing to explore the trail can hire cycles from Middleton Top Cycle Hire. It's open every day in June, July and August and at weekends and school holidays from April until the end of October. For more information tel: 01629 533294.

Facilities available

  • Bridleway/Horse riding trail


  • Cycle path


  • Easy access for all


  • Footpath


  • Light refreshments


  • Parking


  • Picnic area


  • Toilets


Directions

You can access the trail from High Peak Junction and Cromford Wharf, Black Rocks and Middleton Top where car parking is available (charges apply). There are regular bus services and railway stations at nearby Cromford, Whatstandwell and Ambergate.

Contact details