Monsal Trail, Bakewell

Walk in Bakewell

Monsal Trail
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel

The Monsal Trail is one of the best places to visit in Bakewell for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, wheelchair users, and families looking to explore the Peak District at a relaxed pace. Following the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road on the edge of Bakewell, this car-free route offers some of the region's finest views. Limestone cliffs, river valleys, historic tunnels, and wide open landscapes all feature along the way, making it one of the most scenic multi-use trails in Derbyshire.

Originally opened in 1981, the trail became even more exciting when four long railway tunnels—Headstone, Cressbrook, Litton, and Chee Tor—were reopened to the public in 2011 after extensive restoration. Long closed since the railway’s shutdown in 1968, these atmospheric passages now allow visitors to experience the full railway route for the first time in decades. Two shorter tunnels, Chee Tor No.2 and Rusher Cutting, also form part of the journey.

History and Significance of the Monsal Trail

The Monsal Trail occupies the trackbed of the former Midland Railway, a line that once connected London and Manchester via the Peak District. When the line closed in 1968, access to many of the dramatic limestone dales it crossed was lost. By 1981, much of the route reopened as a recreational trail, but four major tunnels remained closed due to safety concerns.

A turning point came in 2011, when a £2.25 million project funded by the Department for Transport allowed the Peak District National Park Authority to repair and reopen the tunnels. This involved resurfacing the path, installing lighting, reinforcing tunnel walls, and adding interpretive panels explaining the line's history. Since then, the Monsal Trail has become one of the Peak District's most popular routes, connecting a series of dramatic dales, bridges, cuttings, and viewpoints.

Today, the trail not only preserves an important piece of railway heritage but also offers a safe and accessible way for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the landscape. Its success has encouraged similar railway-to-trail projects such as the High Peak Trail and Tissington Trail.

Things to See and Do on the Monsal Trail

Walking or cycling the trail allows you to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the Peak District. Highlights include the breathtaking view from Monsal Head, where the trail crosses Monsal Dale via the iconic Headstone Viaduct. Water-cum-Jolly Dale, a peaceful gorge with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water, is another unforgettable spot.

The tunnels are a major attraction in themselves. Headstone Tunnel, Cressbrook Tunnel, Litton Tunnel, and Chee Tor Tunnel each stretch roughly 400 metres and are lit during daylight hours, creating an atmospheric journey under the hills. The shorter tunnels add further character, and interpretive panels along the way help bring the railway’s history to life.

Bike hire centres at either end of the trail—near Blackwell Mill and Hassop Station—make it easy to enjoy the route without bringing your own bicycle. Hassop Station also offers a café, bookshop, and outdoor seating for resting mid-journey.

How to Get There

The Monsal Trail can be accessed from multiple points. The most popular starting locations include Bakewell, Monsal Head, Hassop Station, and Blackwell Mill. Visitors travelling by car will find parking at these access points, though spaces can fill quickly on weekends and holidays.

Local buses run through Bakewell and nearby villages, enabling access to some points of the trail, though connections may vary by season.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Monsal Trail

  • Best time to visit the Monsal Trail: Spring to autumn for comfortable weather and longer daylight.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free for all users.
  • Opening hours: Open year-round, with tunnels lit from dawn to dusk.
  • Official website: Check the Peak District National Park website for updates and safety information.
  • How long to spend: Two to four hours for a partial route; a full round-trip cycle may take half a day.
  • Accessibility: Much of the trail is level and suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • Facilities: Cafés, toilets, bike hire centres, and seating available at Hassop Station and Blackwell Mill.
  • Photography tip: Monsal Head offers the most iconic view over the viaduct and dale.
  • Guided tours: Occasional railway heritage walks take place through the National Park.
  • Nearby food options: Hassop Station Café, cafés in Bakewell, and pubs in nearby villages such as Great Longstone.

Where to Stay close to the Monsal Trail

For a comfortable stay near the trail, The Rutland Arms Hotel offers easy access to Bakewell’s shops, cafés, and riverside walks. For a more secluded countryside escape, try The Peacock at Rowsley. Another excellent option is East Lodge Country House Hotel, perfect for exploring the surrounding limestone valleys.

Is the Monsal Trail Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Whether you walk, cycle, or simply enjoy the viewpoints, the Monsal Trail offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Peak District. With dramatic tunnels, riverside dales, historic viaducts, and easy accessibility, it's a rewarding experience for all ages.

FAQs for Visiting

How long is the Monsal Trail?
It stretches for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill and Coombs Road.

Are the tunnels always open?
Yes, they are open during daylight hours, with lights controlled by sensors.

Can I cycle the whole trail?
Yes, it is fully accessible to cyclists, walkers, horse riders, and wheelchair users.

Is the trail suitable for beginners?
Yes, its level surface makes it ideal for all abilities.

Are bikes available to hire?
Yes, hire centres operate at Blackwell Mill and Hassop Station.

Nearby Attractions to the Monsal Trail

  • Monsal Head: A famous viewpoint offering spectacular views of Monsal Dale and Headstone Viaduct.
  • Bakewell Town Centre: A picturesque market town with shops, cafés, and riverside walks.
  • Chatsworth House: One of England’s most impressive stately homes and gardens.
  • Haddon Hall: A beautifully preserved medieval manor house outside Bakewell.
  • Lathkill Dale: A serene limestone valley perfect for riverside walks and wildlife spotting.

The Monsal Trail appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bakewell!

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