Walk 6: Hartington to Longnor Circular

A quiet walk of two halves: the first following the River Dove north, the second returning across the fields of Staffordshire. This circular route links peaceful villages and ancient earthworks, including the site where Pilsbury Castle once stood, with big views of rolling hills and the sharp, spine-like ridges of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill.

Distance: 15.3 km (9.5 mi) Minimum Duration: 4 hrs Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 291m (955ft)
Download Route File (.gpx)

From Hartington, you head north through the Dove valley, passing the atmospheric remains of Pilsbury Castle on your way to the village of Longnor. After a well-earned break for refreshments, you return south through lush Staffordshire fields, close to the River Manifold and passing a string of farms. From Brund, you cross over to Sheen and finish with a gentle descent back into Hartington.

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Walk Details

  • Distance: 15.3 km (9.5 mi)
  • Minimum Duration: 4 hrs
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Refreshments: Pub Cafe
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 12712 60248
  • W3W: chart.sunbeam.dynasties
  • Elevation Gain: 291m (955ft)
  • Route: Download .gpx file
About difficulty
  • Easy: Mostly flat terrain, suitable for beginners and families.
  • Moderate: Some hills and uneven ground, requires a basic level of fitness.
  • Hard: Steep climbs, rough terrain, suitable for experienced walkers with good fitness.

Start Point

Free roadside/market place parking is available in Hartington. There is also paid parking available on Parsons Cl, Hartington, SK17 0BE.

Directions to the start point

Route Map

Weather

Forecast for the walk start

Plan for changing conditions on the hills.

Thu 29 Oct

Overcast

Temperature
6–13°C
Rain
0%
Wind
12 km/h

Fri 30 Oct

Foggy

Temperature
4–13°C
Rain
0%
Wind
14 km/h

Sat 31 Oct

Foggy

Temperature
3–9°C
Rain
0%
Wind
10 km/h

Forecast data updates hourly. Conditions can change quickly on the hills. Forecast data: Open-Meteo.

Guidance

  1. Leave Hartington. Head north out of the village along Dig Street, passing the duck pond.
  2. Follow the road to Pilsbury (about 2.5 miles). Keep going along the road, passing Bank Top Farm, Ludwell Farm and Parks Barn.
  3. Turn off at Pilsbury Castle. Where the road bends sharply right at Pilsbury, leave it and continue straight ahead along the track to the gated stile at the site of Pilsbury Castle.
  4. Continue towards Crowdecote (about 1 mile). Go through the gate, keeping Pilsbury Castle on your left, and follow the path to Bridge End Farm, just south of Crowdecote. Chrome Hill is clearly visible at the head of the valley along this stretch.
  5. Cross into Staffordshire and climb to Longnor. In Crowdecote, turn left and cross the River Dove, then follow the road uphill to Longnor. This is roughly the halfway point, so it’s a good place to stop for a rest and refreshments.
  6. Head south from Longnor to Brund (about 2.5 miles). Take the lane opposite Church Street and follow it down to a farm. Go through the farm and continue south across several fields and past farms to Brund. The River Manifold meanders close to the path on your right.
  7. Walk through Brund. When you reach the road, follow it through the village for about 400 metres.
  8. Leave the road for Sheen. Opposite Lime Tree Farm, turn left through the gate and follow the footpath east across fields to Sheen.
  9. Return to Hartington. At Sheen, cross the road and take the footpath through the gate, then continue across fields back to Hartington.

Safety First

Each route offers an overview only. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Plan ahead, use common sense, and expect some risk. GPX files are recommended for support, but don’t rely on them as devices can fail. Actual distances are often longer than stated.

Thoughts on this route? Spotted a path change or closure? Comment below or let us know via the form.

Download Route File (.gpx)

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Leigh Walker

View posts by Leigh Walker
Hi I'm Leigh, the creator Walk In Derbyshire. I've been walking in the Peak District National Park for over 30 years and have a huge passion for connecting with nature and hiking in the outdoors. I write up the all the walks for Walk In Derbyshire and am also the lead on our group hikes.

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