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Ashgate Hospice > Events > High Peak Trail Walk

We're ever so sorry, applications for this event have now closed. If you're still interested in taking part in this event please contact our Events Team on 01246 567250 or events@ashgatehospice.org.uk. Alternatively, check out our other events here.

Location

Cromford Meadows,
Mill Road,
Cromford,
Matlock,
DE4 3RQ

Get Directions
Date Sunday 13th March 2022
Entry fee Prices vary dependent on the distance you choose.
A rad wolf
A rad wolf
A rad wolf
A rad wolf

After a successful event in 2021, the Ashgate Hospice High Peak Trail Walk returns for a second year. The event will take place on Sunday 13th March 2022, this year we will be offering three different route options – 17 miles, 11 miles or 3.5 miles.

Located in the scenic Derbyshire countryside, this trail follows the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway. This off-road linear walk is completely traffic-free and is a fun day out for all the family! There will be free parking at Cromford Meadows, and free transport will be provided to take you to the start point of the walk so you can walk back to your vehicle at the finish line.

Included in your sign-up fee:

  • Parking on the day
  • Transport to the start-point of the walk
  • Refreshments on the day
  • Ashgate Hospice T-shirt (if requested)
  • Medal upon finishing the event
  • First aid support
  • Fully marshalled and signposted route

We are asking participants to raise a minimum sponsorship amount of £75. Your entry fee covers the cost of running this event safely but it’s your sponsorship money that really makes the difference. By fundraising for us, you’ll be helping to make sure that when our loved ones in North Derbyshire face a life-limiting illness, they’ll be able to access the specialist care and support they need. Don’t worry, we’ve got a lot of inspiration to help hit your target here.

All sponsorship money is to be sent to Ashgate Hospice by Monday 9th May 2022 and paid in online where possible. Sponsorship money can be paid in by clicking here. Please remember to state the event that you are paying the money in for.

Registration is now open, sign up now – an exciting new challenge awaits you! 

Frequently asked questions

High Peak Trail Walk
What is Ashgate Hospice’s High Peak Trail Walk?

This is an event that we trialed in 2021 with great success, so we are bringing it back in 2022. It’s a 17-mile walk along the High Peak Trail which is set in the beautiful Peak District National Park. We are also giving you the opportunity to start a little further down the trail if you’re not up for the full 17 mile. There is a brand new 11-mile route, or you can take on the new 3.5-mile route with all the family. All three routes offer stunning views of the Peak District National Park. The event will take place on Sunday the 13th of March and walkers will meet at Cromford Meadows, before being transported to the event start line. Walkers will then follow the High Peak Trail back down Cromford Meadows.

What time will the event start?

The buses for the 17-mile route will leave Cromford Meadows at 8am so please arrive at 7.30am to check in.

The buses for the 11-mile route will leave Cromford Meadows at 10am so please arrive at 9.30am to check in.

The buses for the 3.5-mile route will leave Cromford Meadows at 11am so please arrive at 10.30am to check in.

Please keep an eye out for any communications from us, in case we have to alter any of these timings.

Are dogs allowed to take part?

Yes, up to two well behaved dogs per entry are very welcome to take part, they’ll enjoy it as much as you! Please ensure that you stick to the countryside code and keep your dog(s) on a lead when required. Unfortunately, we have to limit the number of dogs per entry, as this is a requirement from the coach company who are taking you to your start point.

Are children allowed to take part?

Yes, we’d love the whole family to take part. We just ask that you are confident that your child/children are able to complete the distance before you sign them up. Please be aware that anybody under the age of 17 will need their parent/guardians’ consent to take part and anybody under the age of 14 will need to be accompanied by an adult on the day.

What type of walk/route is it?

It’s a linear route. This means you will be taken by coach to your start point and you will walk back down the trail to the finish point at Cromford Meadows. All of the route is on the High Peak Trail, which is mainly a good flat surface. However, there is one relatively steep hill as you walk down to High Peak Junction close to the end, which does have a few uneven sections, so please where strong supportive footwear i.e. walking boots.

Is the route suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs?

Unfortunately, the route is not suitable for wheelchairs. The route is not ideal for pushchairs, and we would advise against bringing/using them as it is uneven in places, you may even have to lift the pushchair in parts. However, the use of a pushchair(s) is your choice and used at your own risk.

How long will it take to complete the walk?

This will obviously depend on which route you have chosen but below is a guide on long it should take you at an average pace.

The 3.5-mile route will take you around 1 hour 15 minutes to complete.
The 11-mile route will take you around 4 hours to complete.
The 17-mile route will take you around 6 hours to complete.

However, it is not a race so just walk at a comfortable pace and enjoy the view. If you would like to build up a sweat though, then feel free to storm ahead!

Where can I park?

Free parking will be available on Cromford Meadows. You will be directed where to park when you arrive.

Why do I have to raise sponsorship money?

Your entry fee covers the cost to run the event safely, but it’s your sponsorship money that really makes a difference. We are asking you to aim to raise £75 per person, to ensure that Ashgate Hospice is here for the future, and can continue to provide end of life care to the people who need it most.  If you need any help or inspiration raising sponsorship, click here for some ideas or get in touch. 

Where do I need to go to park up and get on the coach?

The address for where you need to be at your start time (please check below, the different routes have different start times) is Cromford Meadows, Matlock, DE4 3RQ. Please note, if you are using Google maps, then please enter the location as ‘Rugby Club Car Park’ (specifically this wording), as just ‘Rugby Club’ or ‘Cricket Club’ will send you to the wrong place. Parking at Cromford Meadows in the designated event area will be free. 

Please also be aware that part of Lea Road is closed, so please check your route before the day. 

 

Do I need to wear a face mask on the coach?

With the latest Government Covid-19 rule changes, we understand that it is no longer a legal requirement to wear face masks, conduct lateral flow tests and to social distance. However, we are politely asking you to do a lateral flow test if possible before coming to the event, to not attend if you have any of the known symptoms of Covid-19, to wear a face covering on the short coach trip to your chosen start line and to maintain social distance where possible. 

Throughout the pandemic, Ashgate has closely followed the above procedures, and as a result, we have been able to continue to provide our services to those that need us and keep our patients safe. We’d appreciate your help in keeping our community safe and reducing the risk of transmission by following these steps. 

What time do I need to arrive on the day?
  • The buses for the 17-mile route will leave Cromford Meadows at 8am, so please arrive at Cromford Meadows from 7:30am when registration will open to check in.
     
  • The buses for the 11-mile route will leave Cromford Meadows at 10am, so please arrive at Cromford Meadows from 9:30am when registration will open to check in. Please do not arrive earlier – we won’t be able to transport you to the start line until the 17-mile route buses have returned.
  • The buses for the 3.5-mile route will leave Cromford Meadows at 11am, so please arrive at Cromford Meadows from 10:30am when registration will open to check in. Please do not arrive earlier – we won’t be able to transport you to the start line until the 11-mile route buses have returned.
I requested a T-shirt, when do I get this?

If you requested a T-shirt when you registered for the event, these will be available for you to collect at registration. Don’t worry if you didn’t and have changed your mind – we’ll have one available for you too! 

Will there be toilets to use along the trail?

Toilet facilities are available at the Cromford Meadows registration/finish area and across the route at the following intervals: 

  • Parsley Hay – 2 miles in on the 17-mile route. 
  • Minninglow Car Park – 7 miles in on the 17-mile route and 1.5 miles in on the 11-mile route. 
  • Middleton Top Visitors Centre – 13 miles in on the 17-mile route and 8 miles in on the 11-mile route. 
  • Black Rocks – 15 miles in on the 17-mile route, 9 miles in on the 11-mile route and 1.2 miles in on the 3.5-mile route. 
  • High Peak Junction – 16 miles in on the 17-mile route, 10.5 miles in on the 11-mile route and 2.6 miles in on the 3.5-mile route. 
How far in will the refreshment stop be?

The refreshment stop will be located in Minninglow car park, this is 7 miles in on the 17-mile route and 1.5 miles in on the 11-mile route. Please note, there will be no other refreshment stop until the end after that.

Can I sign up on the day?

Yes, but via cash only, so please ensure that you bring the money with you (the correct money would be really useful if possible please).

The registration fees are as follows:

  • Under 5’s – Free (Must be accompanied by an adult)
  • 3.5 miles – Child Entry – (5 to 15 years) – £5
  • 3.5 miles – Adult Entry – (16+) – £10
  • 11 miles – Child Entry – (5 to 15 years) – £10
  • 11 miles – Adult Entry – (16+) – £15
  • 17 miles – Child Entry – (5 to 15 years) – £10
  • 17 miles – Adult Entry – (16+) – £15

Please check the arrival times for each of the different walks in the FAQ’S, and arrive at the requested route time to ensure that you can join the event. 

Please note that for the 3.5-mile route, the first bus is full, but it’s only a 20-min turnaround to wait for the bus to come back to collect you.