Julian Page on the Monsal Trail

The Monsal trail is about 9 miles long , running along a disused railway line from Bakewell to Buxton in Derbyshire. The trail goes through five amazing tunnels and two spectacular viaducts with views to match. The trail stops 2-3 miles short of Buxton and the link road is narrow and busy, so it’s best to start from the East end at Hassop or Bakewell. Map

There is plenty of parking at Bakewell or Hassop. My favourite start is Hassop (DE45 1NW) as there is a good café, toilets and a bike hire shop- parking is pay and display. Going west is a gradual climb so you get the benefit on the way back. The surface is good all the way so it’s easy on a 36” wheel. At weekends its quite busy with walkers and cyclists.

There are toilets at Millers Dale and a small snackbar/bike hire shop (open Spring to Autumn) at the west end.



The most impressive feature of the trail are the tunnels –five in number the longest is over 1/3 mile. They have only been opened up in the last three years. The have a good surface and are well lit.



The viaducts are worth a stop, there is often a group of abseilers on one of them

Views to die for!



The surface is excellent