Walking / Cycling in the Ashbourne area

There are several walks to enjoy when staying at dove farm, and you can literally start from the farm gate. 

We always suggest to our guests, to have a stroll down to the river Dove, and then walk along our little section of riverbank. This farm walk is a private walk, exclusively for guests of dove farm and dove farm fly fishing. You will find maps in your cottage for this relaxing and very pleasant walk. Perfect for clearing the head on a Sunday morning!

If you prefer the ease of a printed leaflet, rather than striding out with an OS map – here are two walks for you to try

The Calwich / Weaver hills walk. You choose how far you walk, and when you want to loop back homewards...Download PDF

The Adam Bede Walk (from the famous novel by George Elliot)..Download PDF

For families with young children, who want a level surface to scoot around on, or maybe you have a buggy or wheelchair to consider – then why not do a circuit (or two!) of the lake at JCB? It’s about 2 miles to go round and is a very popular leisurely route. Park at the village hall car park in Rocester ST14 5JU – only 2 miles from dove farm. (play park adjacent and Spar shop across the road) and turn right as you leave the car park via the main entrance. After a couple hundred yards, walk over the pedestrian bridge and through the tunnel. This brings you directly to the circular path that goes all around the lake. 

Alternatively, you can drive to Denstone Hall Farm Shop and café – and start from that side, finishing with a well-earned treat when you get back. Unofficially, you can park closer - but this will be roadside.

Try out these routes in the Churnet Valley..more

Walks around Denstone...more

Saltersford Lane circular walk, Alton - Denstone...more

Hawksmoor to Dimmingsdale...more

Or you can park at The Ramblers Retreat ST10 4BU – a hidden gem of a country tea room in Dimmingsdale and follow their suggested walks from there. Be warned - extremely popular on a sunday. parking therefore limited.

The all-time classic day out around these parts is a visit to Dovedale, and its famous stepping stones.

This 1.5 mile walk starts at 11 am Country Park, where there is a car park, tea shop and toilets and takes you to the Dovedale stepping stones. Options to continue your walk further, if you wish.

Larger groups may find it less stressful to walk along a trail, or choose a walk where there are other points of interest for the non-walkers. The most popular to try are

Tissington trail (can start at the Tunnel in Ashbourne – and stop off at tearooms in the picturesque village estate of Tissington)

Manifold Way - this link outlines a circular route, taking in Thor’s cave

Carsington Water – choice of leisurely nature trails or challenging walk around the Reservoir. Play area, café and visitor centre.

For more walks, near and further afield into the Peak District, take a look at these routes and maps, all carefully put together by an experienced walker who talks you through their favourite tracks and trails.

Classic cycling trails, near to Ashbourne, offering safe and scenic walking and cycling for all – are Tissington, Manifold, and Carsington. All of these offer cycle hire – though phone ahead if you are wanting something specific – as you may end up with a bicycle that you are not entirely happy with. Brown End Farm cycle hire for the Manifold Way, offers a friendly, helpful service.

You can find details and maps here: Click Here

For self guided cycling tours of the area, there is a rich and informative resource called Pedal the Peak District – 9 journeys of discovery by bike. These routes offer a mix of country lanes and trails, taking you to all the best scenic spots, country pubs and villages across the Peak District. Enjoy this video introduction 

For riders seeking more challenge, or mountain biking terrain – we suggest you check out the full range of Peak District explorer routes