How long is the Monsal Trail walk?

8.95-mile
The Monsal Trail is a stunning traffic-free cycle route right in the heart of the Peak District National Park. This 8.95-mile route is great for families as there are lots of interesting things to see along the way. Enjoy spotting wildlife and the remainders from the area’s railway heritage.

Where is the best place to start the Monsal Trail?

Start at Hassop Station, north of Bakewell via the B6001 or A619 and A6020 from Baslow.

Is the Monsal Trail Circular?

Monsal, Dale and Bakewell Circular is a 12.3 mile loop trail located near Bakewell, Derbyshire, England that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

How many km is the Monsal Trail?

13.7 km
Route description The Monsal Trail is about 8.5 miles (13.7 km) long and opened in 1981. It starts at the Topley Pike junction (in Wye Dale, 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Buxton) and runs to Coombs Viaduct, 1 mile (1.6 km) south-east of Bakewell. It follows the valley of the River Wye and runs parallel to the A6.

Is the Monsal Trail difficult?

Difficulty Rating: It is 8.5mi total in length, stretching from Buxton to Bakewell, but this hike is a select section of that. The Monsal Trail is a renowned cycle and walking route that follows a section of the old Manchester – London railway built in 1863.

How hard is the Monsal Trail?

Trail is flat and pretty smooth. There is a slight but noticeable gradient from Bakewell to Buxton over the distance of about 7.5 miles so worth doing the route that way as you can almost freewheel on the way back.

Is the Monsal Trail busy?

The Monsal Trail is an undoubtedly gorgeous trail to walk or cycle along but it does become extremely busy during these beautiful summer months. This short but challenging walk follows the River Wye through a steep-sided gorge, hidden away from the popular tourist route of the Monsal Trail.

Is Monsal Trail flat?

The Monsal Trail is one of the best Peak District cycle routes for families as it’s traffic free and relatively flat. Plus with all the long tunnels to cycle through, it makes for a very fun ride!

Can you walk the Monsal Trail?

The Monsal Trail is a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales. The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell.

Is the Monsal Trail uphill?

Although a former railway track, the route is appreciably uphill in the direction of Buxton – if you are cycling. The tunnels on the route only opened in 2011 and it’s a bit of a novelty just now.

Is the Monsal Trail good?

Excellent cycling trail using the old railway track bed from Bakewell to Buxton. Trail is flat and pretty smooth. There is a slight but noticeable gradient from Bakewell to Buxton over the distance of about 7.5 miles so worth doing the route that way as you can almost freewheel on the way back.

Is the Monsal Trail closed?

There are no trail closures at the moment.

Where does the Monsal Head walk take you?

This short and circular Monsal Head walk takes you past all these highlights! Starting from the main view point by the Monsal Head Hotel, this short Monsal Head walk leads you down into the dale to Monsal Weir, then across the other side of the River Wye to emerge under the Headstone Viaduct, with a climb back up to the view point.

Where does the Monsal Trail start and end?

The route starts from the car park at the Miller’s Dale Viaduct. Follow the trail east through the lovely Miller’s Dale with views of the River Wye. You continue past the village of Cressbrook to Monsal Head where you will pass the impressive Headstone Viaduct.

How big is the viaduct on the Monsal Trail?

You continue past the village of Cressbrook to Monsal Head where you will pass the impressive Headstone Viaduct. The structure was built by the Midland Railway over the River Wye in 1836 and is some is 300 feet (91 m) long. The route then turns south, leaving the Monsal Trail, to pass through the woodland of Monsal Dale.