Headstone Viaduct – Rhubarb Buttress Cliffs loop from Little Longstone

Hiking trails & Routes

Headstone Viaduct – Rhubarb Buttress Cliffs loop from Little Longstone

Moderate

4.7

(24)

202

hikers

Headstone Viaduct – Rhubarb Buttress Cliffs loop from Little Longstone

04:34

16.7km

260m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

404 m

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

1.70 km

View of Cressbrook Mill

Highlight • Historical Site

Great little sign to provide some information about the Area.

Tip by

2.27 km

Viewpoint

6.19 km

Chee Tor Tunnel

Highlight • Cycleway

This is the longest of the three railway tunnels here. It gets immediately more chilly once you are in during summer, which can be quite refreshing. Be careful with the cyclist as some do not seem to be able to read the 'slow' signs.

Tip by

7.74 km

Chee Dale Stepping Stones

Highlight • Structure

Check the water levels before you go - it's a long walk back if the water is over the tops of the stones

Tip by

8.20 km

Chee Dale: Stepping Stones and Cliffs

Highlight • Trail

Decent walk with a good mix of terrain and surroundings. Wet day so footing was often slippy, so take care in some of the trickier sections.

Tip by

8.20 km

River Wye Stepping Stones

Highlight • River

The stepping stones are often submerged so plan your visit when the water level is low. Getting to them with a bike is a bit challenging (a few tall steps and a narrow path) but the view is rewarding. The almost crystal clear water with a hint of turquoise colour adds beauty to the place.

Tip by

8.40 km

Rhubarb Buttress Cliffs

Highlight • Viewpoint

The climbs at Cornice are mostly harder sports routes and clipsticks appear to be a common feature here.

Tip by

13.5 km

Cramside Wood

Forest

16.6 km

View of Monsal Head and the Headstone Viaduct

Highlight • Viewpoint

Monsal Head is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Derbyshire – and for good reason! Overlooking the impressive Headstone Viaduct crossing the picturesque Monsal Dale, it truly is a wonder to behold. You can stop for food and drink at the Monsal Head Hotel and there is usually an ice cream van parked here.

Tip by

16.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.9 km

4.89 km

795 m

130 m

Surfaces

8.96 km

2.98 km

1.79 km

1.68 km

1.22 km

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (260 m)

Lowest point (170 m)

Weather

Today

Monday 2 November

10°C

4°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Expect light wind and shifting conditions.

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

June 3, 2023,Great Longstone to Buxton

We were staying in Great Longstone which is an excellent location. Stayed in a cottage behind the Crispin pub, lovely place but a little cool for us. We walked to the end of the Monsal Trail via the stepping stones by the river. As it was a Saturday it was very busy with cyclists and walkers.........7.5 miles. At the end …