Route: Carsington Pasture
Area: Peak District
Date of walk: 7th June 2021
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 6.4 miles
Ascent: 1,000 feet
Weather: Mixed sunshine and clouds, very warm
It’s been five years since we last visited the Peak District and a return visit was well overdue. We decided to base our short stay in the south of the area so as to explore new territory
Today’s walk would visit the two small villages of Carsington and Brassington which once relied on lead mining, although the only visible signs of mining are now the lumps and bumps dotted along the route
We started from Carsington, where there is roadside parking near the Miners’ Arms pub. After climbing up some steps we left the village and started a steep climb up a grassy bank. There were good views back over the village and to Carsington Water, which has the appearance of a large lake, but is in fact a reservoir
We followed a path over Carsington Pasture (where a wind farm did the scenery no favours) and then joined the High Peak Trail, which follows the track of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway and passes by Harboro’ Rocks. Thanks to the level gradient we made quick progress along this section of the walk
After leaving the trail there was a short road section after which we walked through the fields to the unspoilt and attractive village of Brassington. From here we climbed uphill and then descended again to Carsington. Several of the fields were home to grazing cattle, but the natives were friendly and we had no issues. The final section back to Carsington was a highlight of the walk, with hawthorn blossom lining the way and enhancing the lovely views across Carsington Water
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The start of today's walk - St Margaret's Church Carsington, set in the heart of the village opposite the village green

We climb up the grassy bank, and a view of Carsington Water appears. This is a reservoir and a popular visitor attraction which was opened by the Queen in 1992

We join the High Peak Trail, managed by Peak District National Park Authority. The trail follows the track of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway