Trail Dog

One of many popular attractions in the Peak District national park are there collection of disused railways that have been converted into multi user trails. Starting at Matlock, the Trail Dog route takes in the High Peak, Tissington Trails and the lesser used White Peak Link.

There’s a fairly hefty climb near the start from High Peak Junction which will get you puffing like one of the steam trains that used to run on the line. The High Peak Trail was built in 1825 to take cotton from the nearby mills over the Pennines to the Peak Forest Canal at Whaley Bridge. It was built before trains were commonly in existence and was originally horse drawn. At the top you can see the beam engine which was used to haul the carriages up the incline.

From there we follow the trail to just beyond Pratt Hall and follow a track over to Biggin and join the Tissington Trail. You then head northwards to rejoin the High Peak Trail again and follow it to the end.

The route then crosses the Buxton – Ashbourne road and heads across the closest thing that the area has to Strada Bianche. After crossing the A6 at Taddington and passing through Blackwell you have the choice of descending straight down the paved road to Millers Dale or if you are feeling a bit more adventurous down the gnarmac descent -Long Lane.

At Millers Dale join the Monsal Trail and follow it to the end passing though several tunnels that have been cut though the valley. At the end drop down to the road and head away from Bakewell up Coombes Dale. From the top descend into Rowsley and join the White Peak Link. Follow this as far as Darley Dale. Then cross the River Derwent and take the former coaching route through Snitterton back to the start.