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Headstone Viaduct – Monsal Trail loop from Bakewell

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Headstone Viaduct – Monsal Trail loop from Bakewell

Moderate

4.9

(30)

673

riders

Headstone Viaduct – Monsal Trail loop from Bakewell

01:15

18.6km

210m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

937 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

1.41 km

Monsal Trail Gravel Path

Highlight • Trail

Just delightful GRVL along the Monsal Trail - with a few little stunt humps along the way!

Tip by

6.24 km

View of Monsal Dale

Highlight • Viewpoint

Amazing views down monsal bridge head check out the photos views are Amazing

Tip by

6.32 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

8.17 km

View of the River Wye Valley

Highlight • Viewpoint

Lovely views at the top

Tip by

9.27 km

Litton Mill Railway Cutting Ancient Lava Flow

Highlight • Natural Monument

As a geographical speciality lava bombs are visible here, where the lime was broken out in preparation of the railway track.

Tip by

11.1 km

Monsal Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

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.

Tip by

13.9 km

Monsal Trail

Highlight • Trail

Tip by

18.6 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.3 km

2.45 km

909 m

541 m

360 m

Surfaces

13.6 km

4.71 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (230 m)

Lowest point (120 m)

Weather

Saturday 5 September

21°C

12°C

66 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

August 27, 2024,monsal trail

Wanted to go here for ages and will definatley go again.
Very scenic route.

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Headstone Viaduct – Monsal Trail loop from Bakewell

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge

Monsal Trail Gravel Path

View of Monsal Dale

Headstone Viaduct

View of the River Wye Valley

Litton Mill Railway Cutting Ancient Lava Flow

Monsal Trail

Monsal Trail

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