Today was the best day of the year so far – blue skies and warm sunshine in the main, so our experience of the Monsal Trail was made even better.

That said, the trail itself is great – easy riding over a distance of 17 miles (in total out and back) plus about 1.5 miles (in total in and out) of Bakewell (off the far end of the trail) for lunch – numerous pubs. Splendid scenery plus lots of opportunities to lock the bikes up and take a stroll uphill as to Monsal Head, or downhill as to the river.

Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire, if you’re hiring bikes, is in the perfect spot. Park just off the A6 near the entrance to a quarry and stroll down alongside the river (I’d say about a mile) and you’ll come to the cycle hire centre (and a cup of tea if you need one!). The staff here (all one family) could not be nicer or do more to help you. The bikes are good, lots of information about the trail and just so friendly and welcoming. We’re going to do it all again!

Overall – very highly recommended as a day out. Thanks.