The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free route that runs for 8.5 miles (13.7 km) between Blackwell Mill and Bakewell. The compacted gravel trail winds through picturesque limestone dales and long tunnels. A particular highlight is the Headstone Tunnel leading to Headstone Viaduct, where breathtaking views await.

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 and transformed into a recreational route.

IanDent

August 17, 2018

Cycling

Interesting route and very suitable for families as completely traffic free and relatively flat. Used to be an old railway line, so the gradients are very gentle. The compacted gravel surface is suitable for all bikes, too.

The tunnels on the old railway have been reopened and are lit so you can now walk or cycle through them. Bike lights aren't necessary but might be useful to stop other cyclists crashing into you!

_PhillBrownRides

December 2, 2019

Cycling

An excellent asset of the local cycling community to have this dedicated off-road cycle trail - even more exciting with the lit tunnels through the hillside and open viaducts to scale.

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Best routes to Monsal Trail

4.9

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1. High Peak and Monsal Trails Loop

65.7km

05:23

780m

This difficult 40.8-mile touring cycling loop combines the High Peak and Monsal Trails, offering varied terrain and scenic views in the Peak

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Hard

4.9

(25)

656

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2. Monsal Trail – Monsal Trail loop from Bakewell CP

18.6km

01:15

210m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(40)

970

riders

3. Monsal Trail – Monsal Trail loop from Great Longstone CP

17.2km

01:10

210m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Distance 505 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 10 March

9°C

4°C

27 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Little Longstone, Derbyshire Dales, Derbyshire, East Midlands, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

View of Cressbrook Mill and Tunnel Entrance

Fin Cop Hillfort

View of Headstone Viaduct from the River Wye

View of Peter's Stone

Whittle's Weir

Cressbrook Mill

Monsal Weir

Litton Tunnel

Longstone Moor

Monsal Trail

1. High Peak and Monsal Trails Loop

2. Monsal Trail – Monsal Trail loop from Bakewell CP

3. Monsal Trail – Monsal Trail loop from Great Longstone CP

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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