Celebrate the Tissington Trail’s 45th anniversary

Discover the wonders of the Peak District National Park’s Tissington Trail on a free guided anniversary cycle ride next month.

Historic plaque – Tissington Trail opened on June 5, 1971.

Sunday June 5 marks the 45th anniversary of the Tissington Trail’s opening in 1971 as a dedicated route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

National Park rangers will be leading a guided cycle ride on the day to showcase highlights of the trail including a visit to the restored signal box at Hartington Station, spectacular displays of wildflowers and panoramic views of the countryside.

And to celebrate the occasion, bikes can be hired from Parsley Hay cycle hire centre with a special event discount of 50% on standard adult (£7) and children’s (£5) bikes. Other cycles are available to book in advance: electric bikes, trail-a-bikes, buggies, tandems, wheelchair bikes, a tricycle, an all-terrain wheelchair bike, hand cranks and a tandem trike. People can also bring their own bikes.

Trails manager Emma Stone said: “The Tissington Trail is not only brilliant for a bike ride – it’s got a fascinating history too. People who come with us for the guided cycle ride will discover how much heritage and wildlife there is along the way – the cowslips and other wildflowers on the banks of the trail are truly fabulous.”

The Tissington Trail was originally a railway line between Buxton and Ashbourne. It opened in 1899 but closed in the 1960s before the Peak District National Park bought it and turned it into a recreational route.

​The ride starts at 10am from Parsley Hay and will cover around 5 miles of easy-going, level terrain. There will be a slice of Tissington Trail birthday cake for everyone taking part. Refreshments will also be available to buy on the route.

Booking is essential for this unique event as numbers are limited. Please contact Emma Stone via email emma.stone@peakdistrict.gov.uk or on 01629 816268 to reserve your place.

Cowslips and other wildflowers create natural displays beside the Tissington Trail.