Midshires Way
Bledlow to Stockport · Multi-user
The Midshires Way is a 225 mile (362 km) multi-use route across the shires of Middle England. It links the Ridgeway National Trail in the south with the Trans Pennine Trail in the north, running from Bledlow in Buckinghamshire to Stockport in Greater Manchester.
Route. The way mostly follows bridleways and quiet lanes, with waymarked footpath alternatives for walkers where possible. It uses the Brampton Valley Way near Northampton and the Goyt Way from Whaley Bridge to Compstall, finishing along part of the Etherow-Goyt Valley Way.
Counties. Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Greater Manchester.
Midshires Way Guide
The Midshires Way crosses the heart of England, passing from the Chilterns through the Vale of Aylesbury, Northamptonshire and the East Midlands before climbing into the Peak District fringe and descending into Stockport. It is designed as a multi-user route, so some sections are bridleways that suit horse riders and cyclists as well as walkers.
LDWA records that in Derbyshire the development of the bridleway for other users was not yet complete.
Check before you walk
- HS2. HS2 construction has affected the route between Waddesdon and the railway north-west of Aylesbury, with closures and diversions. Check the Buckinghamshire Council closures register before you set out.
- A427 near Brampton Ash. A 700 m stretch of the A427 between the two Brampton Ashes has HGV traffic and no pavement. LDWA suggests a footpath alternative from SP 7723 8728 via SP 7714 8756 to SP 7828 8748.
- Leicestershire lanes. Passing places were being installed on Ratcliffe Lane and Long Lane in late 2025.
Maps and guides
The OS sheet numbers in the sidebar come from the LDWA database. Low numbers may be Outdoor Leisure (OL) sheets, so check the sheet before you buy.
- Choose How You Move (Midshires Way route information)
- Derbyshire County Council route leaflet, part 1 (PDF)
- Derbyshire County Council route leaflet, part 2 (PDF)
- Derbyshire County Council route leaflet, part 3 (PDF)
Route data checked against the LDWA Long Distance Paths database (Midshires Way).