Pilsbury Castle, Hartington & Sheen from Longnor

(S/E) 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(S/E).

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.