A Peak District walk that explores the uppear reaches of the Dove and Manifold Valleys. The route is generally easy to navigate and uses a series of paths and tracks across the Limestone country. Refreshments are available at the start and at Hartington.
Calculated time: 5h05[?] 
Distance : 15.28km
Vertical gain : 243m
Vertical drop : 240m
Highest point : 332m
Lowest point : 222m 
Difficulty : Moderate
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Area : Peak District 
Location : Longnor (Derbyshire)
Starting point : N 53.181189° / W 1.868567° 
Today's forecast :
(D/A) The route starts by following the road east to Crowdicote where you cross the infant River Dove just before entering the village. Once over the river turn right (grid ref. SK100651) onto a track leading towards Bridge End Farm. The track goes to the south of the farm. At a path junction (grid ref. SK101649) continue straight ahead onto a clear track. At a walled lane (grid ref. SK108644) you can either follow the path closest the river or bear left and follow a path that stays beside a wall just below some limestone outcrops. Both paths lead you to Pilsbury castle (grid ref SK115638).
(1) After passing this former Motte and Bailey earthwork bear right and follow the path/track (with wall to your immediate right) to reach the road in Pilsbury (grid ref. SK116635). Bear left up the lane and after approximately 500 metres take the signed footpath on your right. Reaching a cross wall (grid ref. SK124634), turn right and follow the clear grassy path for one and a half miles to reach a lane (grid ref. SK130612). Turn right along the lane and after 250 metres take the walled track on your right and descend to a lane at the bottom. Turn left and walk into the centre of Hartington village with its duck pond and opportunities for refreshments.
(2) The walk continues by turning right down an access drive beside the Cheese Shop and signed to Sheen. The path turns sharp right before the factory and continues across pastures, goes over the River Dove and continues up to the road in the village of Sheen (grid ref. SK111612). Turn left and take the first footpath on your right leading across fields to a lane through Brund village (grid ref. SK102611). Turn right and follow the lane down to a junction (grid ref. SK099614). Turn left and almost immediately take the signed Manifold Trail on your right. Follow the generally well-signed Manifold Trail for two and a half miles back to Longnor(D/A).
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 289m
1 : km 3.29 - alt. 270m - Bear right
2 : km 7.89 - alt. 231m - Hartington - Turn right
D/A : km 15.28 - alt. 291m
This part of the Peak District sees fewer walkers than many parts of the National Park. The route follows the course of the River Dove south to Hartington via Pilsbury Castle and returns using a section of the Manifold Trail following its namesake river. The start is the market square in Longnor (café and pubs) at grid ref. SK088649.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 4.11/5
Number of opinions : 3
Clarity of route description : 4/5
Clarity of route map : 4/5
Walk interest : 4.33/5
Global average : 4 / 5
Date of walk
: 20/11/22
Clarity of route description
: Good
Clarity of route map
: Good
Walk interest
: Good
Easy enough to follow but we always have the OS maps app available to help. Better scenery on the Longnor to Hartington section. Mainly grazing land and possibly not really a walk for the winter unless you're prepared for soggy conditions underfoot. Very wet and muddy from Hartington to Longnor. This would probably explain why we saw hardly anyone in for the final four miles. Plenty of refreshments available at Hartington. Longnor appeared to be closed on Sunday afternoon.
Global average : 4.67 / 5
Date of walk
: 18/02/19
Clarity of route description
: Very good
Clarity of route map
: Good
Walk interest
: Very good
Absolutely beautiful walk. Stunning scenery, and a bit of a history lesson at the castle. We stopped to have lunch in Hartington.
Unfortunately got a bit lost on the way from Hartington to Sheen, so added and extra 5km to our walk. We decided that as it was getting dark we should walk on the road for the last 3 miles.
We will definitely be doing the walk again.
Perfect for dogs too.
Sorry to hear you had trouble with this walk. Did you manage to complete the walk in the end? If you have any suggests on how we can improve the walk description for future walkers, it would be much appreciated!
Global average : 3.67 / 5
Date of walk
: 24/09/18
Clarity of route description
: Average
Clarity of route map
: Good
Walk interest
: Good
Good start...but got lost after sheen as a sign post offered 2 directions in a field..we followed one only to have directions disappear leaving us guessing which way to go and having to eventually retrace steps.
9.07km
+315m
-317m
3h30
Moderate
Starting point in Longnor (Derbyshire) - Derbyshire This route starts from the attractive North Staffordshire village of Longnor. It then crosses the Dove Valley into Derbyshire, passes through Earl Sterndale to climb High Wheeldon before re-crossing the Dove back into Staffordshire. The scenery en-route is varied with excellent views of this part of the Peak District throughout.
12.29km
+352m
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4h30
Moderate
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12.02km
+212m
-213m
4h00
Difficult
Starting point in Hartington Middle Quarter - Derbyshire A rewarding hike via a scenic hilltop to a pretty village and a Norman Castle site in the Dove Valley.
8.75km
+115m
-114m
2h50
Easy
Starting point in Hartington Middle Quarter - Derbyshire Follow flower-lined green lanes to two limestone villages, and sample a short stretch of the High Peak Trail. Some gentle climbs, and muddy ground may be encountered after wet weather.
9.61km
+159m
-158m
3h10
Easy
Starting point in Hartington Middle Quarter - Derbyshire Wander via field paths and country lanes through the villages of Flagg and Chelmorton, returning on the High Peak Trail. A shortcut along the Pennine Bridleway, omitting Chelmorton village, cuts a mile off the distance.
17.69km
+285m
-286m
5h50
Difficult
Starting point in Chelmorton - Derbyshire A series of villages in spectacular limestone country, with an exciting riverside stretch.
8.35km
+116m
-136m
2h45
Moderate
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6.96km
+92m
-95m
2h15
Moderate
Starting point in Chelmorton - Derbyshire Impressive limestone cliffs and caves, a pretty village and a cosy local pub.
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