Walk 1042 - printer friendly version

Pilsbury Castle Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.5 miles / 8.9 km

Ascent - 600 feet / 182 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SK128605
Lat 53.141498 + Long -1.8101033
Postcode SK17 0AW (approx. location only)

The village of Hartington is a popular place for visitors with its many cafes, pubs, shops and cheese factory. Its proximity to the River Dove and the most dramatic portion of Dovedale give the village extra importance in the eyes of many walkers and the paths south from the village can be very busy on fine days as everyone heads for Beresford Dale.

This Peak District walk starts from the pond located in the centre of the village (grid ref. SK 128605). Parking can be hard to find on busy days but usually on-street spaces are available. From the pond head north up Dig Street. Just after this road bends right, fork right up the green Wallpit lane to join Hide Lane. Turn left and continue north on this road to reach a signed footpath on your left (grid ref. SK 130613). The onward route from here is straightforward crossing fields as you traverse the flanks of Carder Low. On this section there is a small limestone pavement, which is a rarity in the Peak District. Passing the remains of former mine workings you descend into a side valley to reach a junction of paths (grid ref. SK 124634) where you turn left.

Reaching a road, cross straight over and continue on the waymarked path to reach the remains of Pilsbury Castle. This Norman motte and bailey earthwork is in a pleasant position with an excellent view north along the River Dove to Chrome and Parkhouse Hills. If you are in need of refreshment then about a mile and a half north on well-marked footpath is the village of Crowdecote where the Packhorse Inn offers a warm welcome. If you take this option then you need to retrace your steps back to Pilsbury before continuing with the remainder of the walk.

From the Castle head south along the farm track to the road and continue down through the hamlet of Pilsbury. Turn right to reach the footbridge over the River Dove (grid ref. SK 115634) and cross from Derbyshire into Staffordshire. A green lane is followed for about 150 metres before crossing the first stile on your left. The onward path climbs quite steeply across pastures to reach a minor road near the mock castle on Sheen Hill. Turn left along the lane to reach Harris Close Farm where a well-marked path leaves the lane to cross a number of fields before descending along the edge of a small conifer plantation to a gate and stile. Cross this stile and follow the path over the Dove to reach the Hartington Cheese factory. Turn left along the road to return to the start of the walk.

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