A limestone journey across Derbyshire’s White Peak and into rural Staffordshire
The Limestone Way is a 46-mile (75 km) long-distance trail from Castleton in Derbyshire to Rocester on the Staffordshire border, crossing some of the most distinctive landscapes in the White Peak. This is a route shaped by geology — limestone plateaus, dry valleys, caverns, riverside meadows, and the rolling pastoral scenery that defines the central Peak District.
Beginning in the dramatic gorge country around Castleton, the trail winds through quiet farming villages, open upland, and historic dales on its way south. It passes through Peak Forest, Millers Dale, Youlgreave, Bonsall, and the outskirts of Matlock, before continuing past the Tissington Trail and into gentle Staffordshire countryside for a peaceful finish near Rocester.
With train links nearby, attractive walking sections, and plenty of charming villages along the route, the Limestone Way is ideal for self-guided walking holidays in the Peak District and the wider Midlands.
Trail Overview
Type: Regional Long-Distance Trail
Distance: 46 miles / 75 km
Start/End: Castleton – Rocester
Time Required: 3–5 days
Terrain: Limestone dales, dry valleys, farmland paths, quiet lanes, upland plateaus
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate — gentle gradients with some short, steeper dale climbs
Accessibility: Rail links via Hope (Castleton), Buxton (near Peak Forest), Matlock, and Uttoxeter (near Rocester)
Explore the Route
Castleton to Peak Forest
Begin among caves, crags, and high limestone slopes around Castleton, climbing onto open plateau above the Hope Valley before reaching the quiet hamlet of Peak Forest.
Peak Forest to Millers Dale
Cross peaceful upland pasture and descend toward the deep-cut valleys around Millers Dale — classic White Peak scenery shaped by limestone and river erosion.
Millers Dale to Youlgreave
Walk through dry valleys and open farmland toward Youlgreave, overlooking the River Bradford and close to the celebrated landscapes of Lathkill Dale.
Youlgreave to Bonsall
Follow rolling countryside south, passing historic farms, old mining land, and drystone-walled fields on the way to the hillside village of Bonsall.
Bonsall to Matlock Area
Traverse high ground and valley edges above Matlock, with wide White Peak views and easy connections to Derwent Valley heritage sites.
Matlock Area to Thorpe
Continue through quiet countryside toward the Tissington Trail, a popular cycling and walking route, before descending toward the gentle hills around Thorpe.
Thorpe to Rocester
Cross the Staffordshire border and follow meadowland and farmland paths to finish in Rocester, close to the River Dove and the edge of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Stay and Explore
Towns & Villages:
Castleton, Peak Forest, Millers Dale, Youlgreave, Bonsall, Matlock, Thorpe, Rocester
Accommodation:
Country inns, village B&Bs, boutique rooms in Castleton and Matlock, countryside cottages, and family-run guesthouses along the route
Food & Drink:
Traditional Peak District pubs, farmhouse cafés, Derbyshire bakeries, riverside inns, and local produce from upland villages
Culture & Heritage:
Castleton’s caverns, White Peak geology, historic dales, village churches, old mine workings, Tissington Trail heritage, Staffordshire rural landscapes
Adventure Highlights
- Walk the length of the White Peak from Castleton to the Staffordshire border
- Experience limestone landscapes: dry valleys, gorges, plateaus, and dales
- Explore Castleton’s dramatic setting beneath Mam Tor
- Pass through historic villages including Youlgreave and Bonsall
- Connect with the Tissington Trail for wider cycling and walking adventures
- Enjoy excellent short-break sections near Matlock and the Hope Valley
- Ideal for self-guided walking holidays in Derbyshire and the Midlands