Hartington: Trails, History and Tradition

Hartington offers several distinct reasons to stay: walking routes, historic buildings, and local traditions. The routes can be distinguished by their length and, in the case of the Pilsbury Castle Trail, by its stated difficulty rating. This focus is complemented by the village’s history, St Giles Church, and the tradition of Hartington Well Dressing.

Trails and Landscape

The Hartington Village Walk is a family-friendly circular walk of less than a mile. The Pilsbury Castle Trail from Hartington is a longer option: it is 4.5 miles and rated moderate. The route includes several cattle grids and livestock fences; a well-preserved lime kiln can also be seen on the hillside. The Village Walk is the shorter option; the longer, moderate Pilsbury Castle Trail includes several cattle grids and livestock fences.

The Dales of the River Dove circular walk starts and ends in Hartington. Footpaths lead south from Hartington to Beresford Dale; the village is also at the northern end of Dovedale. This means there are two distinct points of reference: a circular walk starting and ending in Hartington, and footpaths leading south. Practical conditions on the Pilsbury Castle Trail can change; check route information before setting out.

History Across Several Periods

Hartington Hall dates from 1611 and has several large original stone fireplaces inside. St Giles Church is a Grade II* listed building; its construction history spans the late 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries. These represent two different timescales: a specific year for Hartington Hall and several centuries of building history for the church.

Visiting and Local Traditions

St Giles Church is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00 for visitors and private prayer; during British Summer Time, it is open until 17:00. Check the official visitor page for updated hours before travelling.

Hartington received a market charter from William De Ferres in 1203. Hartington Well Dressing is part of an old Derbyshire tradition in which springs and wells are decorated with pictures made from natural materials.

Cheese, Cycling and Horse Riding

The Hartington Cheese Shop specialises in English and British cheeses, including many from local artisan cheesemakers. The selection can change; check what is available if you are looking for a particular variety.

Cyclists and horse riders also have specific points of interest: National Cycle Network Route 548 leads to Hartington. Hartington Station on the Tissington Trail is a recommended starting point for horse riders. You can include a route with Hartington as your destination and a starting point specifically recommended for horse riders in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Ilkeston, Ashbourne, Crich, Duffield, Willington, Wirksworth, Chesterfield, Bamford

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