‘Uno, Uno, Uno No Mercy!” the six-year-old son of our hosts for the day bellows while leading my boys, 10 and 12, into his dimly lit corrugated iron home. I let out a little sigh of relief. The popular card game is a much-needed icebreaker as ominous clouds close in on the remote stan (the Albanian word for a shepherd dwelling). Despite the language barrier, much laughter and consternation soon spill out of the darkness, just as hail hammers down on the tin roof. Dogs bark, chickens cluck and sheep bleat as the thunder grows louder, and we all – our eight hosts, seven guests and one guide – shelter in the tiny kitchen, the living room-cum-bedroom (now Uno parlour), or on the veranda.
It’s day two of a seven-day trip with Undiscovered Balkans, crisscrossing between Albania and Montenegro on foot and by car. Having always wanted to hike the Peaks of the Balkans trail, a 119-mile (192km) hike linking Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania, I jumped at the chance to sample this new guided itinerary. Combining some of the region’s most famous hikes with gentler excursions for kids, such as a day experiencing life as a shepherd, or visits to remote swimming spots, it seemed a novel alternative to our usual “get a map and hope for the best” approach to hiking holidays.
The trip starts in Podgorica, Montenegro’s unassuming capital, where we meet our guide, Aurora (one of just a handful of female Albanian mountain guides), Emma, a cofounder of Undiscovered Balkans, and her daughter and friend, who join us for the first few days. Before any of us can complain about the heat (it’s edging up towards the high 30s), we jump in a minibus to cool off at a popular local swimming spot on the Cemi River, then cross into Albania and weave up cooler mountain roads to the remote village of Lëpushë.
A swimming spot on the Cemi River. Photograph: Holly Tuppen
Here, surrounded by orchards, beehives and terraced fields, and mesmerised by the dense forest and serrated limestone peaks beyond, we make Bujtina Lëpushë guesthouse our home for two nights. “You’ll realise how quiet this is when you get on the main Peaks of the Balkans trail,” Emma says. The trail receives more than 40,000 visitors a year, so spreading the love outside the well-trodden route helps reduce overcrowding and provides an economic lifeline for villages like Lëpushë.
Our day playing Uno under a tin roof is our first taste of Albania’s easy-going hospitality and millennia-old rural routines. The day trip from Lëpushë to the stan is organised by Nina, who runs the Shepherd’s Way, a community tourism project that helps Malësorë (highlander) shepherds earn extra income while sharing their way of life. “The ancient transhumance [moving sheep to high ground in summer] still carried out by 12 families here was recently awarded Unesco world heritage status,” she says as we walk to the stan from our guesthouse, swifts darting overhead. “While working on that project as a photographer, I felt compelled to do something to support this precious culture, and so now work with the families to offer experiences on their terms.”
Theth valley, in Albania, on the Peaks of the Balkans trail. Photograph: Aliaksandr Mazurkevich/Alamy
The weather soon scuppers the plan to spend the day herding and milking sheep. Instead, hours drift by baking bread, playing Uno, losing arm-wrestling contests and sipping mountain tea. “Boredom is a big part of shepherd life,” Aurora explains, noticing our slight discomfort at doing nothing. By the end of the day, however, as the sun breaks and the boys rush out to play football in fields of butterflies, we realise communal boredom is probably the best cultural immersion you can find.
The next day is our first hike of the trip, following a deserted footpath from Lëpushë through beech forest and open plains to the 1,859-metre summit of Maja e Vajushës (Volušnica in Montenegrin). “And that’s Montenegro – we’ll be sleeping down there tonight,” Aurora announces, as we look out towards a sea of mist pierced only by an eerie flock of choughs. It’s supposedly spectacular on a clear day. At the second of our five border crossings, the kids take a while to wrap their heads around the geography, but Aurora explains that the border follows the Accursed Mountains, as we are doing. Having raced up, we take our time meandering back down, picking wild blueberries, stopping for freshly made yoghurt in a stan and buying honey from the village hive cooperative along the way.
After our hike, a 40-minute drive from Lëpushë – via a brilliant blue, refreshing swim spot at Kanioni i Bashkimit canyon – whisks us back into Montenegro to spend the night at Eko Katun Rosi, a cabin camp in Vusanje. The presence of hiking groups from all over Europe gives away that we’re now on the main Peaks of the Balkans trail, as do the surrounding soaring peaks and the portion sizes (there’s no shortage of meat and cheese in these parts). On the way, we notice that the call to prayer has replaced church bells. “It’ll be churches tomorrow and mosques the day after,” Aurora says. Even religion is dictated by geography here – Christianity survived in the valleys that the Ottomans couldn’t reach.
The next morning, we drive around small farms to the Prokletije national park and start a 10-mile hike over the border at Qafa e Pejës pass and into Theth valley – the heart of the Peaks of the Balkans trail. It’s the longest and steepest hike of the trip, and we’re grateful for Aurora’s careful pacing as butterfly- and cricket-filled meadows give way to a steep hairpin path. At the top, we shelter behind an abandoned gun post to eat a picnic lunch straddling the border. With about six gun posts for every square kilometre of land in Albania, we’re not short of opportunities to ask Aurora about life under communism. Tales of hiding goats underground to make sure there’s enough milk for all the family keep any moans about sore legs at bay.
A church in Theth village. Photograph: Jan Wlodarczyk/Alamy
The descent into the sprawling village of Theth feels a world away. Hot pine forests tumble down steep yellow cliff faces, lizards dart between fallen rocks, and caves offer shady water stops. In the valley below, dry riverbeds carve ashen-grey scars across dense forest as far as the eye can see. Exhausted, we hitch a lift to our bed for the night from the first cafe we find.
As we drive past Theth’s sprawling bars, camps and lodges, some of which have been destroyed recently as part of a government clampdown on unofficial development, we’re grateful to spend the night in a quieter hamlet just above the town. Marash Rrgalla guesthouse is a 200-year-old working kulla(farmhouse) with five comfortable rooms, a bucolic garden and a cat called Sweetie. The boys run off to meet the pigs and the cow, and in true Albanian style it’s not long before we’re enjoying a homegrown, homemade feast as the sun dips, turning the Albanian Alps pink.
After a day off the trails, dipping in and out of Theth’s swimming spots at Nderlyse pools and the Blue Eye of Kaprre – “Finally, we get a day to swim!”, the 10-year-old exclaims – we embark on the iconic hike from Theth to Valbona. Unlike on our previous hikes, the path is packed with people from all over the world, so the day is peppered with passing chats. “Wow, so young! Well done, boys!” an American hollers as we reach the narrow top of the 1,800m Qafa e Valbonës pass. With no other kids in sight, the boys are rightfully chuffed and celebrate with a plate of chips – the first of the holiday – once we’ve completed the dusty and hot descent to Valbona.
From Valbona, we spend the next two days travelling by car and ferry towards our final stop, Shkodër. Despite pockets of nature and peace, including a ferry trip down the steep-sided Komani Lake, and standup paddleboarding with egrets and kingfishers on Lake Shkodër with Drini Times, we soon find ourselves longing for the mountains.
Although grateful for holiday staples like ice-creams, chips and Fanta in Shkodër, building sites, roadworks and litter bring home the fast pace of change in a country on the move. The contrast makes our time in the mountains, surrounded by centuries-old traditions and landscapes as wild as they get in Europe, feel like an enormous privilege, particularly with the kids in tow.
Undiscovered Balkans’ seven-day Albania and Montenegro family hiking trip costs from £1,195pp, with departures on any Sunday in June, July or August
This location offers breathtaking views which are out of this world (quite literally) and it’s not a long trip either as it’s located in the UK. So have you been here before?
Christine Younan Deputy Editor Social Newsdesk
11:05, 01 Mar 2026Updated 15:14, 01 Mar 2026
An amazing colourful landscape in this old disused mine in Anglesey(Image: Getty Images)
Searching for your next adventure? While some days out demand preparation so are fully prepped, this travel destination requires little fuss and is perfect for a Sunday hiking trip.
Not only does this location boast stunning views, it’s also otherworldly (quite literally) as one hiker claimed it resembles “just like Mars”. Conor, an avid adventurer, recently ventured to Parys Mountain, situated in Anglesey, which depending on where you are in the UK, is a few hours away, especially if you’re craving a change of scenery. The Welsh island is renowned for its coastline and historic landmarks.
The content creator, known as Conor_Hikes, recently shared the spot with his 20,500 TikTok followers.
He stated: “A must do hike in the UK! This is Parys Mountain, located in Anglesey. It was once known as the Copper Kingdom, and it was once the world’s largest copper mines! This place really does look like Mars.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
How to get there:
If you’re travelling from London, it’s around 5 hours by car. Those from Bristol are looking at 4 hours in the car, while cities up north like Liverpool are just 2 hours away from the location.
Of course if you’re in Wales, it’s a lot more local for you. According to Conor, there’s complimentary parking if you enter the postcode LL68 9RE into your satnav.
What to do there:
Once you arrive at Parys Mountain, there’s a 4km circular trail available for hiking. The otherworldly terrain is ideal for rambling, photography and discovery.
Visitors can wander around the copper mine, soak up the views of Snowdonia and discover the nearby Copper Kingdom exhibition.
People could also venture through the “moon-like” landscape which Conor praised in his TikTok video. Routes vary from a 45-minute shortcut to a 90-minute main circuit.
The paths showcase spectacular, colourful rock formations in hues of orange, yellow, and purple.
For nature enthusiasts, the site is home to wildlife including skylarks, meadow pipits, and choughs.
Just bear in mind it’s advisable to wear pack walking boots due to the loose, rocky and uneven ground.
There’s no facilities or cafés on the mountain, but the nearby Copper Kingdom Centre in Amlwch offers historical background and amenities.
And if you want to maximise your visit, late summer is perfect for witnessing purple heather in blossom. However, the trails remain accessible throughout the year.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
HIKING down the mountain, butterflies fluttering past, the sound of moo-sic fills the air. It seems the native black Hérens cows, adorned with huge bells, are on the move, too…
My daughter Ava, 12, and I are on an idyllic, hour-long trail in the Swiss Alps that starts at Cabanes-des-Violettes cable car and has us venturing across a spring, wildflower meadows and alpine forest.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Take in the wildflower meadows and alpine forest while hiking in ValaisCredit: OLIVIER MAIREHotel Valaisia features roomy balconies leading off its comfy doublesCredit: RICARD ROMAINThere are indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a saunaCredit: Supplied by PR
And just when I think Ava is on her last legs, we round a bend to discover the Relais de Colombire restaurant, perched as high as the paragliders.
It’s the perfect spot to refuel on fondue, £27, and local Marmotte Hippie IPA, £6, while Ava makes light work of the giant cookie and ice cream, £11.20 (Colombire.ch/en/restaurant).
Fun-icular times
We’re kipping in the pretty town of Crans-Montana, with its elaborate flower displays, boutiques and eight lakes, in the French-speaking region of Valais.
It’s a scenic two-hour train around Lake Geneva then a thrilling funicular ride to get here from Geneva airport, and Hotel Valaisia makes the most of the scenery, with roomy balconies leading off its comfy doubles.
There are indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, cosy snug and games room, and at Eteila Brasserie, we feast on tasty dishes such as salmon with baked potato and mango salsa, £42 for three courses. You can also bike and hike from the doorstep.
Hopping on two wheels is a great way to get your bearings – more so if you’re over 16 and can e-bike!
We do our best to keep up with guide John, and even test our skills on a forest obstacle course.
Afterwards, we treat our wobbly legs to pulled veal burgers, £33, on La Plage’s terrace at Lake Moubra, where I try (unsuccessfully) to tempt Ava to sample my bourguignon-style escargots, £11 (Restaurant laplage.ch).
Even in August, you can still find snow up high. We catch a gondola to 3,000m above sea level, spying cute mountain goats and Roger Moore’s Bond pad on the way.
At the top, Plaine Morte Glacier – an 8km expanse of glistening ice – is breathtaking, as are views of the snowy peaks of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn – the mountain Toblerone was modelled on.
It’s that same chocolate I find myself scraping out of my bowl that evening at Le Mayen, a short stroll from our beds, where the Toblerone mousse, £12, is a must.
Surrounded by check tablecloths, dirndl-wearing waitresses and a waft of cheese, we soak up the full Swiss experience, carb-loading on rosti – a heavenly mix of raclette, fondue and local dried meat, £31 (Mayen.ch).
Wakeboard me up, before you go, go!
On our last morning, we swap snow for the palm-tree-lined beach of Étang Long lake and watch a 140m wakeboarding cable give people the ride of their life, from £23 (Cransmontana.ch).
It looks easy, until I nose-dive into the water.
Swap snow for the palm-tree-lined beach of Étang Long lakeCredit: PATRICK GUELLERFab Mag’s Kirsty with daughter AvaCredit: Supplied by Kirsty Spence
The lake inflatables – free with the MyExplorer Card hotel guests receive – are more our bag, then as we await our Beach Club crêpes with goat’s cheese, walnuts and honey, £17, Ava challenges me to a volleyball match. . .
I’ve done more exercise in just a few days here than I have in weeks back home.
There’s clearly something in the air – and it’s not just cheese.
BTW
Double rooms at Hotel Valaisia start from £235 B&B (Faernresorts.com).
Flights from the UK to Geneva cost from £42 return.
Coming up the footpath from Imlil, Hussein and I step aside to let a laden mule go past and I look back. On the wooded lower slopes of the valley are clusters of tall houses, some plumed with wood smoke. There appears to be a lot of building work going on, some of it to repair the damage caused by the 2023 earthquake. The sound of a concrete mixer comes cutting through the cool mountain air mixed with birdsong and human voices. Turning back to face south, I can see the Atlas mountains, austere and aloof, a few snow patches on the upper slopes. That’s where we are going, to the top of Toubkal at 4,167 metres, the highest peak in North Africa.
Hussein has been a guide in this beautiful Moroccan valley all his adult life. “Most people here work in tourism now,” he says, waving a greeting to a muleteer who is passing us. The man is clutching the tail of his animal to steady himself up the steep track. “Twenty years ago everyone grew walnuts and subsistence food,” Hussein says. “Now we’ve still got walnuts, but we’ve also planted apple trees as a cash crop. It leaves time for the tourist work.”
Is all the change good? He nods, confidently.
Not everyone likes change, of course, and it’s possible that a country such as Morocco, where half the population is under 30, has an advantage in this respect. There just isn’t so much dewy-eyed, middle-aged, nostalgia for the past.
Kasbah du Toubkal is a 15-minute walk from the nearest road
We move up the mountain, passing the little holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch where the cafes sell freshly squeezed orange juice and the tumbling river is almost pristine, but not quite. I take off my boots and wade into the cold water to grab some discarded plastic bottles. Hussein and two other guides jump in to help. “City people,” they complain.
“You might think that in a holy place, they would try to be clean,” I observe, which makes one man laugh.
He says: “My grandfather told me that the shrine used to be an animal shelter and they built the dome over a dead donkey.”
Morocco always surprises me with its bracing honesty, never afraid to make a joke about anything. Even the haggling in the markets has a gritty element of truthfulness: a face-to-face negotiation that arrives at a price agreeable to both parties. The previous evening, down in Imlil market, I had bought a bag of amlou, a mix of almonds, honey and argan oil – Moroccan trail mix. I got to taste it before buying, at the seller’s insistence: “It’s the best in all Morocco!” Then we discussed the price, settling on an extra scoop of walnuts to seal the deal. It’s not a system that would work in Tesco, but it does make shopping fun.
I had spent that first night in the Kasbah du Toubkal, a gorgeous boutique hotel that sits on a plug of rock a 15-minute walk from the nearest road. Once a citadel belonging to a notorious feudal chieftain, it had fallen into ruin, only to be spotted in the 1970s by British traveller Mike McHugo and his brother Chris. Together with local guide Hajj Maurice, they transformed the place into a celebrated haven for all things Moroccan, bringing school and university groups to experience the magic, too. Mike’s love for the place has never wavered and he’s still often found in the expansive dining lounge, chatting to staff and guests.
Kasbah du Toubkal has stunning views
Back on the mountain, Hussein and I reach the overnight hut Les Mouflons – actually a complex of buildings built to cope with the rise in tourist numbers. Toubkal, for better or worse, has become one of those Instagram peaks, attracting many visitors. Hussein, characteristically pragmatic, sees the benefits: “Lots of guides and muleteers needed.” And he has a solution for anyone who doesn’t like crowds: “Go somewhere else.”
There are, in fact, several peaks nearby that top the 4,000-metre mark. “I like Ouanoukrim,” he says. “It’s only a few metres lower than Toubkal and you hardly see anyone up there.”
For a moment, I am tempted. These alternative peaks are also accessible from Les Mouflons, but like everyone else, the thought of standing on the highest summit is irresistible for me. At 4am the next morning, we join the snail trail of head torches heading up the last thousand metres. The wind, cold and altitude sap some energy and we pass a few people slumped over their rucksacks. You need good boots, warm clothes and a reasonable level of fitness for this, but no technical climbing is involved. The summit is large, easily coping with everyone, and offers great panoramas of the Atlas range.
We take an alternative route down; Hussein wants to show me something. In a rocky col, we leave our bags and scramble up to a second mountain at 3,900 metres. Here, a surprise awaits us, an aircraft engine embedded in the peak. This strange, tragic site marks a little piece of African history. In November 1969, a Lockheed Constellation aircraft set off from Portugal for Biafra, the breakaway war-torn region of Nigeria. By that time, a terrible famine was gripping the rebel state and its struggle looked doomed, but an international airlift was delivering food and guns via São Tomé island. This particular plane smashed into the peak of Tibhirine, killing all eight people on board and leaving one engine embedded in the rock, plus a trail of destruction all down the mountain.
Back at Kasbah du Toubkal, after the long trudge down, the hammam is absolute bliss. The appearance of an ancient, traditional room, however, is deceptive. Most of the Kasbah had to be rebuilt after the earthquake. “No one here was hurt,” says Mike, “but the buildings were damaged. We took the chance to move things on a bit. The lives of the people here in the valley had been changing and it was time.”
Mules are a common sight on the mountain trails
The hotel now has a swimming pool and underfloor heating. Some things, however, remain the same: the convivial atmosphere where guests and staff chat and the energetic climb on foot from the village high street (there is still no drivable road to the door). The educational connection continues, too: it still hosts school and university fieldwork groups and, through a small levy on visitors, supports the work of improving girls’ school opportunities in remote mountain villages.
Next day, I manage to hobble down to the town. Change is very evident here. You can buy all kinds of second-hand mountain equipment, even skis. Traditions live on, however. I admire the woven rugs and buy more amlou from the trader who seems like an old friend now. Then I wander up the valley through a forest of pines and out on to a rounded peak. There are dozens of treks here, many which you can have to yourself. And sitting there, alone on a minor summit, listening to the echoes of voices from below, I have to admit a sneaking regret that I hadn’t taken Hussein up on the offer of Ouanoukrim. Next time I will.
The Hoffman Kiln near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales is a moss-covered derelict kiln hidden in woodlands, though the site is currently undergoing development with limited access
The site was left abandoned for years (Image: Alexander W Helin via Getty Images)
For those looking for an extraordinary walking adventure, this trail delivers something truly unique and proves ideal for youngsters who relish uncovering secret treasures along the way.
Nestled within the forests on the outskirts of Settle in Yorkshire lies Hoffman Kiln, an abandoned kiln that once served as an insulated furnace for burning raw materials.
Today, it resembles an subterranean grotto constructed from brickwork and blanketed in moss, lending the location an unsettling verdant atmosphere.
Its past remains somewhat enigmatic to locals, though additional points of interest dot the vicinity, designated as part of the ‘Craven Limeworks trail’.
The kiln formed part of what was previously an industrial complex, where Yorkshire workers toiled in appalling conditions before nature eventually reclaimed the site, leaving it abandoned.
Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.
Historical background
The nineteenth century witnessed the establishment of the railway route connecting Settle to Carlisle, which subsequently generated fresh industrial prospects for the region.
The railway regularly transported coal inbound to process the limestone extracted from the scar, then carried away the completed product.
Enormous quantities of stone were once processed here, yet now it lies concealed. The kiln was previously operated by labourers whose responsibility involved shovelling burnt lime onto wagons positioned mere feet away in the sidings.
Describing the harsh working conditions, Senior Historic Environment Officer Miles Johnson explained: “It’s quite pleasant space to be in now but whilst it was in use it was probably absolutely grim. Lime is really nasty, caustic stuff to work with.
“The lime burners who worked in here had to cover every inch of their body with rags and clothing to try to keep the lime dust out. When lime dust meets moisture or water it reacts and generates a lot of heat.
“So if you’ve got lime dust on your body, and you’re shovelling and starting to sweat, then you’d start to blister and burn quite quickly.”
Exploration today
Proposals to develop the land housing the kiln have been under consideration for some time. Back in 2021, it emerged that Craven District Council’s planning application had received approval, with the site now earmarked for commercial development.
Prior to construction commencing, one visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Really loved my visit. I was amazed by how big the site is, considering it isn’t promoted very well. There is lots to explore, and the information boards are very helpful.
“The car park for the site is also quite large, so there is plenty of room. It felt quite exciting to be exploring the vast Hoffmann kiln by torchlight, and I was very pleased to see that it hadn’t been littered or abused.”
Yet more recently, visitors have suggested that the feeling of discovering a secret, unspoilt location has vanished, with construction work now progressing at full pace. A later review states: “These unusual kilns are well worth a visit.
“However, as other reviewers have mentioned, at the moment the area is a building site. There is access to the Hoffman kiln, but you need to cross the building site and walk along beside the railway.”
To find the kiln, you can use the postcode BD24 9NU, where you’ll find it just off the main road between Langcliffe and Stainforth.
Nestled in Derbyshire, this charming village of fewer than 200 people boasts a stunning Jacobean manor house dating from 1609, traditional tearoom and a 13-mile scenic trail
The village has been in the hands of the same family for 400 years (Image: clubfoto via Getty Images)
This picturesque village has less than than 200 residents and has been carefully preserved to maintain its quintessentially English character and heritage.
Tissington stands out as the perfect postcard destination – a serene Derbyshire village offering visitors an incredibly tranquil escape. Dotted with charming cottages constructed around a magnificent Hall, complete with a duck pond and traditional tea rooms, the location exudes old-world appeal.
Its remarkable conservation is credited to the FitzHerbert family, who’ve maintained ownership for more than four centuries whilst remaining active members of the community. The affluent family resides at the Hall, which forms Tissington’s beating heart.
Their ancestral connection runs so profoundly through the area that the local church, St Mary’s, features numerous tributes to departed family members.
Best Derbyshire holiday cottage deals
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Derbyshire is known for its dramatic Peak District landscapes, historic market towns and stately country houses. Sykes Cottages has hundreds of places to stay, with prices from £32 per night.
Tissington Hall
Standing proud at the village centre is the stunning hall, originally constructed back in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert as a Jacobean manor house. Sir Richard inherited the property in 1989 and currently lives there alongside his wife and their four children.
It holds distinction as one of merely 300 properties across Britain where direct descendants of the original builder still reside. Season after season, the family continues welcoming visitors to the estate, offering access to explore the magnificent interiors and spectacular flourishing gardens.
Entry currently costs £16 for adults, whilst children under five can access the grounds free of charge. The site welcomes visitors between 12pm and 3pm, with guided tours available every half hour by appointment.
Food and Drink
Tucked away in this charming village sits the beloved Herbert’s Tearoom, providing the perfect pit stop for ramblers and cyclists exploring the Peak District. The tearoom dishes up mouth-watering cakes alongside tea and coffee in a quintessentially British atmosphere, with seating available both inside and outdoors.
A satisfied visitor recently posted on TripAdvisor: “We love visiting this beautiful tea room for a light lunch, especially after a leisurely stroll around the peaceful and relaxing village. Excellent food, very pleasant and attentive staff, reasonable prices and consistently high standard of customer service.”
Though Tissington lacks a traditional countryside pub within its boundaries, several excellent spots can be found on the village outskirts. The Old Dog in nearby Thorpe prides itself on delivering ‘unfussy’ quality grub in a welcoming atmosphere, championing locally sourced produce.
Further along, guests can enjoy a meal at the Sycamore Inn in Parwich or pop in for a pint at the Coach and Horses in Ashbourne. Despite its tranquil, remote character, the village sits within easy reach of numerous superb Derbyshire dining spots.
Tissington Trail
Stretching 13 miles across the Peak District, the Tissington Trail has become a firm favourite with ramblers, following the path of a former railway line. The route is largely level, making it highly accessible, while still delivering breathtaking views and the chance to explore the charming village of Tissington.
Originally part of the London and North Western Railway connecting Buxton and Ashbourne from 1899, the line was eventually shut down. Nearly seven decades later, the Peak District National Park acquired the land and transformed it into the beloved trail, creating a vehicle-free haven for walkers and cyclists alike.
One visitor wrote: “We all went out as a family and had a brill day. The routes are well maintained and are fairly flat apart from the odd big hill. The scenery and views are stunning, and it’s not too busy.”
Another claimed: “We walked from Ashbourne to Tissington, and the route was lovely, with some great scenery. We particularly liked the old Tissington railway station, where we stopped for a picnic before wandering around the village and walking back again.”
