A Walking Weekend in Hartington: Where to Stay, Eat and Hike
Hartington is possibly one of the prettiest villages in the White Peak and a perfect place to spend a weekend. It’s a honey-stoned village at the northern end of Dovedale, with the River Dove running nearby and characterful dales branching off in every direction. It’s the kind of place that makes a walking weekend easy to plan as there’s everything you need – great places to stay, great pubs, brilliant cafes and gift shops galore. Here’s why a walking weekend in Hartington deserves a spot on your must do list.
Why Hartington
Hartington has been an important village since the Middle Ages. It was granted a market charter back in 1203, and its long history as a hub for the surrounding farms and dales still shows in the handsome stone buildings around the village square. It’s known as something of a home for Derbyshire cheese-making, and its setting at the top of Dovedale puts it right in the middle of some of the best walking country in the Peak District, with the Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail meeting nearby too. Add in a proper village pub, a farm shop and café and cute and quirky shops, and it’s easy to see why it’s become such a popular base for walkers.
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Best Places to Stay in Hartington
We stayed at Hartington Hall Youth Hostel, in one of the bell tents, and would happily recommend it as a comfortable, low-effort base (especially as you can eat in the onsite cafe/restaurant, so all your meals are taken care of). A few other options worth considering:
- The Devonshire Arms – a village pub with luxury ensuite rooms, right in the heart of Hartington.
- Biggin Hall – a characterful country house hotel just outside the village, with an oak-beamed restaurant.
- The Manifold Inn – a traditional village hotel option in nearby Hulme End, not far from Hartington village.
- Dove Cottage, Hartington – cosy one bedroom cottage, perfect for couples or solo travellers.
Where to Eat in Hartington
- The Devonshire Arms – the village’s best-known pub, with a gorgeous beer garden and a good spot to watch the sunset over Hartington.
- Hartington Farm Shop and Café – great for breakfast, lunch or a slice of cake, and a good stop for local produce too.
- Fat Buns – a bakery serving delicious cinnamon buns, donuts and all manner of sweet treats.
- Beresford Tea Rooms – a pretty vintage style tea rooms with delicious cakes and sandwiches.
If you want to spend a weekend walking in Hartington, here are some walks to try:
Day 1: Hartington to Wolfscote Dale Circular | 6 Miles
A classic route, this 6 mile walk starts in Hartington and follows country lanes to Biggin Dale, before returning to the village via the beautiful Wolfscote Dale. Expect a gentle wander, with no major climbs.
Day 2: Sheen Hill Trig Point | 6 Miles
This 6 mile walk heads out from Hartington to explore the countryside around the Derbyshire Dales. The walk visits Sheen Hill trig point, which has amazing views, and passes near Bank Top trig point.
Day 3: Hartington and the Upper Dove Valley | 6 Miles
This 6-mile circular walk escapes the crowds and is a high-level circuit through the sweeping countryside and farmland of the Upper Dove Valley, visiting the ancient site of Pilsbury Castle. Expect big views, quiet lanes and beautiful countryside.
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