This walk is a 9.5 mile circular walk starting and finishing in the village of Hartington (meet 9.30 am by the Duck Pond SK17 0AQ, Public parking at Parsons field SK17 0BE)famous for its Stilton cheese, the route follows the upper reaches of the Dove valley passing Pilsbury castle, part natural, part built sits on a natural reef of limestone. Built around 1100 AD by Norman lords, later taken over by an International network of Cistercian monasteries who introduced intensive sheep grazinng and more intensive farming methods. With super views towards Parkhouse and Chrome hill, we ascend the opposite side of the valley, and contour across the open fields and farmland with plentiful stiles, until we head over to Sheen passing the YHA and heading back across Bridle tracks and footpaths back to Hartington and the site of the old creamery. A varied walk of farming landscapes and peaceful valley that is untouched since the lead mining days. There are lots of fairly high stiles on the route, some areas of wet boggy ground, so walking boots are suggested.
