Monsal Trail — Peak District National Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Monsal Trail — Peak District National Park

Hard

4.7

(48)

399

hikers

Monsal Trail — Peak District National Park

07:10

26.3km

390m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 8, 2024

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

61 m

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge

Highlight • Cycleway

The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free trail for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. A former railway line, the trail runs for 8.5 miles (13.7 km) between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale, and Coombs Road in Bakewell. The compacted gravel trail – which is relatively easygoing and is perfect for all ages and abilities – winds through some of the Peak District's most picturesque limestone dales and heads through characterful tunnels.

The trail follows a section of the former Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway, which was built in 1863 to link Manchester with London. The line was closed in 1968 and remained unused for 12 years before being taken over by the Peak District National Park.

Tip by

1.66 km

Hassop Station Café & Cycle Hire

Highlight • Parking

The spacious, elegant Old Station building boasts a cafe, bookshop, bicycle hire and opportunity for and ice cream and lots more. It's nice place to stop if you are hiking the trail.

Tip by

3.55 km

Quackers Café

Highlight • Cafe

Lovely little cafe with a terrace and a garden. Try the cheese scones with onion marmelade ;-)

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4.70 km

View of Monsal Viaduct and Waterfall

Highlight • Bridge

The weir is restricted access because of repairs, but you can walk by it and take photos.
When approaching the viaduct, if you want to walk across it, walk up the steep path ( half scramble at points) on the left, rather than going straight on, to reach Viaduct top.

Tip by

5.30 km

Headstone Tunnel

Highlight • Trail

Stretching for 1,598 feet (487 m), Headstone Tunnel is the longest of all the tunnels on the Monsal Trail. Despite being well lit, it’s still a dark and cool place to explore. The tunnel was built in the 1860s by the Midland Railways to link Manchester with London. Headstone Tunnel was reopened in 2011, meaning the Monsal Trail could be fully linked.

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5.44 km

Headstone Viaduct

Highlight • Monument

Headstone Viaduct is a breathtaking structure that crosses Monsal Dale. The five-arch bridge, which is 70 feet (21 m) tall at its highest point, affords fine views over the River Wye. Built in 1863 by the Midland Railway, many believed the structure blighted the view upon its completion. These days, however, it is iconic and has Grade II-listed status. The viaduct now carries the Monsal Trail, a traffic-free route for hikers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.

Tip by

7.84 km

Litton Tunnel

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Litton tunnel on the Monsal Trail is 471m long and cuts through the limestone cliffs above. The line was built in the 1860's and closed in 1968. Today the Monsal Trail is a multi-user path suitable for walkers, bikes and wheelchairs that runs from Bakewell to Matlock.

Tip by

10.9 km

East Buxton Lime Kilns

Highlight • Monument

At a first glance from a distance these lime burning ovens look like the remainders of a bit strangely designed bridge. You can get in to understand better how they worked.

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11.2 km

Chee Tor Tunnel

Highlight • Cycleway

This is the longest of the three railway tunnels here. It gets immediately more chilly once you are in during summer, which can be quite refreshing. Be careful with the cyclist as some do not seem to be able to read the 'slow' signs.

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13.1 km

Blackwell Mill and the River Wye — End of the Monsal Trail

Highlight • Bridge

You've made it to the end of the mighty Monsal Trail, Congratulations! A small detour off to the left will take you down to the River Wye where you can laze on the riverbanks and refresh your senses before making your way back.

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