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Carsington Circular from Brassington

Derbyshire Walk

County/Area - Derbyshire - South East Derbyshire

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.5 miles / 7.3 km    Ascent - 650 feet / 197 metres

Time - 2 hours 50 minutes    Grade - easy

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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Carsington Circular
Click image to visit gallery of 10 images.

The village of Brassington is situated just outside the boundaries of the Peak District National Park but still retains the characteristics of the White Peak with dry stone walls and stone built cottages. This walk combines a variety of paths and quiet country lanes to explore the area between the village and the High Peak Trail and includes a visit to nearby Carsington.

There is some on street parking within the village (grid ref. SK230543) by the church. However do be considerate when parking and ensure that you are not causing inconvenience for residents. After parking and with your back to the church, walk down the street opposite with the Miner's Arms pub on your right. Reaching the main road through the village, Town Street, cross the road, and take the signed footpath opposite. This leads into fields and climbs almost immediately on a clear path to reach a wall (grid ref. SK234542). Turn right here and follow the clear path or track as it contours around the hillside offering a grandstand view of Brassington. This path leads to a crossing with a farm track (grid ref. SK238539). Continue ahead climbing slightly. The onward path is clear and begins to descend into Carsington village. There are views over Carsington Reservoir on your right.

Joining the tarmac lane in Carsington continue ahead to a road junction (grid ref. SK251534). At this junction, go left up a lane lined with cottages. There is a footpath sign. This path leads onto the open hillside and the path climbs steeply with views to the right over the village. The path initially trends towards a wall on the opposite side of the field before bearing left to complete the ascent beside this wall. Nearing the top you will pass a limestone outcrop on the other side of the wall called the King's Chair.

Away to your left is a recently constructed wind farm which has somewhat spoiled the immediate surroundings of Carsington Pasture. The path continues more easily to a lane. Turn right for a few yards and then cross the road and join the High Peak Trail. Our route is going left (west) along the Trail but it is worth walking a short way right (east) to see one of the former inclines on the Cromford and High Peak Railway.

Heading west along the High Peak Trail you will notice that there is evidence of former and current industry, perhaps the reason for this area's exclusion from the National Park. After about one kilometre you reach a factory on the left hand side of the trail. On your right can be seen Harboro Rocks a popular venue for climbers. Just before the factory there is a signed footpath on the left (grid ref. SK242550). Turn left down this path to a road. Bear right along the road, Manystones Lane, for a short way to locate a footpath on the left (grid ref. SK239549).

Take this clear footpath which makes a dog leg to reach another lane (grid ref. SK237546). Turn right along this quiet almost traffic free lane into Brassington. On reaching the main road, turn left, and walk downhill into the village.

Other walks nearby

Walk 2701 Harboro Rocks & Brassingtoneasy/mod6.5 miles
Walk 3672 Carsington Water, Hognaston & Madge Hilleasy/mod5.5 miles
Walk 2993 Carsington, Brassington & Cromford and High Peak Railway from Middletonmoderate9.5 miles
Walk 1892 Minninglow & Roystone Rockseasy/mod5.8 miles
Walk 1410 Minninglow Hill, Roystone Grange and Cardlemere Lane from Gothameasy/mod5.5 miles
Walk 2559 Stanton Moor & The Nine Ladies Stones from Winstermoderate9.0 miles
Walk 3196 Stanton Moor and Robin Hood's Stride from Winstereasy/mod7.0 miles
Walk 2136 Wensley & Brightgateeasy/mod6.2 miles
Walk 2503 Robin Hood's Stride & Stanton Moormoderate11.0 miles
Walk 2627 Cromford to Bakewellmoderate11.5 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Walking in Derbyshire

Walking in DerbyshireWalking guidebook to 60 circular day walks in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Includes the Derwent, Wye and Trent river valleys, near Derby, Matlock, Glossop, Bakewell and Ripley. Routes range from easy to moderate and are between 4 and 14km (2 to 10 miles). Walks focus on places of interest, from Stone Age forts to castles to grand estates.
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Walking in the Peak District - White Peak East

Walking in the Peak District - White Peak EastGuidebook describing 42 half-day and day walks in the limestone landscapes of Derbyshire's White Peak, part of the Peak District National Park. One of two volumes, this book covers the east of the region, with potential bases including Bakewell, Eyam, Castleton, Birchover, Matlock and Wirksworth.
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