3 ASHBOURNE TO THE WHITE PEAKS
DISTANCE 50 miles ROADS A515, B5056, A5012, A515, Leek Road, Blakelow Road, A523, A52 NOMINATED BY Alastair Daley FEATURED IN November 2020
WE MEET UP in Ashbourne, which is well worth a visit on its own — the centre is lovely and we’re setting out from the historic market square which makes a great meeting point. We’re quickly out of the houses and onto the A515 towards Fenny Bentley, where we turn off onto the much smaller and prettier B5056. The road immediately starts to snake between hedges and dry stone walls.
But the best part happens as we head west and climb again from Hurdlow. We’re crossing into Staffordshire here and it’s a complete change — steep-sided valleys instead of the rolling country. We’re still in what’s known as the White Peak though — limestone hills and softer topography than the wilder millstone grit of the Dark Peak further north. Over the top and down a steep and tight hairpin into another pretty village. “I’ve always fancied Longnor for a long weekend,” says Alastair. “Even when everywhere else is rammed, this always seems to be quiet — lovely.”
Later, it’s another scene change as we follow the Morridge road — fantastic views down the valley, roads open and quick but twisty, with lots of up and down to keep you interested.