Hartington
25 May 2025
Today’s ramble is a circular walk encompassing the beautiful Dove and Manifold valleys north of Hartington, including High Wheelston Hill, the village of Longnor and Sheen Hill. It will be approximately 12 miles long.
We begin our walk in the very pretty village of Hartington, where public toilets are available. We proceed north to Top Bank Farm and join a footpath high above the valley past Carder Low towards Pilsbury Lodge. There are spectacular views of the Dove Valley all the way along the morning stage of the walk. We then join a path over Open Access land, high above the remains of Pilsbury Castle and on above Crowdicote to High Wheeldon Hill. At 422 metres above sea level, this is the highest point on our route today, with wonderful views across the countryside in all directions. Fortunately, our approach to the summit is quite easy from the south!
After a careful descent past Fox Hole Cave, we head south west along Green Lane, crossing the River Dove at Beggar’s Bridge. The river is the boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire for much of its length. We have then just a short walk up the hill to Longnor, where we shall enjoy out main break of the day. Longnor is a very characterful village with public toilets, a pub and cafes. It sits on a narrow ridge betwixt the Dove and Manifold valleys.
After a restful break, we proceed south along the eastern side of the Manifold Valley. We pass Crofts, Boothlow Hayes and Lower Boothlow farms. Beyond Lower Boothlow Farm, we gradually leave the Manifold Valley behind as we begin a steady climb in the direction of Sheen. We join a quiet country lane from Brund and head briefly north west in the direction of Pilsbury.
Before long, we reach the base of our second big hill of the day, Sheen Hill. Not quite as high as High Wheeldon Hill at 380 metres, the view from the top is nevertheless truly exhilarating! Unfortunately, the only approach to the summit is via a steep permissive path. We shall have the option of climbing to the top, which is highly recommended, or resting at the start of the path until the braver ones return.
We then continue along the lane and turn right in the direction of Sheen village. The River Dove and Pilsbury Castle are again visible to our left. At Harris Close, we take another footpath southwards along the ridge, high above the river. We then join a path from Sheen village as we turn south east and descend towards Hartington, recrossing the Dove into Derbyshire along the way.
Hartington has public toilets and a pub to occupy us until we leave this incredibly picturesque location for the drive home. The coach will leave from the centre of the village at 6pm.
We welcome new walkers, there is no need to book, just go to your nearest coach pick-up point listed below. The fare is £14. You can try us out for two walks before you need to become a member, which is only £10 valid until the end of January 2026.
Coach Departure
The coach picks up at the following points.
(With the agreement of the leader other pick-up points
on the bus route may be available).
| “Staff of Life” pub, Hack Lane | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.15am |
| Priestic Road, opp McDonald’s | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.20am |
| Eastfield Side, (Blue Bell) | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.22am |
| Hermitage Lane stop, Sutton Road | Mansfield | 9.25am |
| ASDA bus stop. Stockwell Gate. | Mansfield | 9.30am |
