My wife and I (late 50’s) rented bikes at Blackwell Mills and cycled to Chatsworth House and back via the Monsal Trail. The bikes are excellent (my wife liked hers better than her bike back home) and the service is outstanding. The trail was quite empty first thing in the morning (9:45 am) but well used on our return (around 3:30 pm).

We left the Monsal Trail at Hassop Station to brave the roads to Chatsworth House. The grounds of the house are amazing but my wife was unimpressed with cycling so close to so much fast traffic on narrow roads (so the faint of heart should remain on the Monsal Trail and not venture to Chatsworth).

We enjoyed our day so much that we returned two days later and hired bikes again and went to Bakewell.

The scenery is beautiful. The trail is wide and flat. The bike hire shop can’t be beat: the shop keeps the bikes in excellent shape unlike many other bike hire shops and the employees are courteous, patient, and very helpful. This is one of the best things to do in the area.

We did not have a car, so we took a bus from Buxton to Topley Pike and back both days. From the bus drop-off, you take a 15-minute beautiful walk along the Wye to Blackwell Mills.

The only negative from the two outings was the huge number of people who ignored the instructions to stay on the left side of the trail. Even with ringing our bells well in advance and several times and with clear signage, some pedestrians and cyclists persisted in remaining on the right side, even in the tunnels.

Our two days on the Monsal Trail are among our favourite days of the many we’ve spent in England over the years.

Glen M

Following a bit of research, Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire seemed a good choice on the Monsal Trail…and it was. The bikes we got were suitable and the pathway was great, relatively flat (slight incline back from Bakewell). Lovely scenery along the way. My only complaint is the saddle soreness and achy muscles afterward…but that aside, the staff were very helpful!

Emer135

Visited last week on a lovely day. Beautiful trail on comfortable bikes with easy access to nearby villages. The staff are extremely friendly and could not be more helpful. Thoroughly recommended. Just remember that it’s uphill on the return leg from Bakewell and allow extra time.

Chris J

Monsal trail is a great bike route for beginners (as I am) tunnels are fun and views are amazing. Hired 2 adults bikes from Blackwell mill, lady who served us gave us some great advice about the route and where to go. She also explained that the return is slightly uphill and we should do the sights and food on the way back to break it up which was very useful! Bikes were easy to use, helmet and and lock included. Would recommend the trail and Blackwell for the hires.

Sarah B

Had a brilliant day out on the Monsal Trail. The staff were really helpful, attentive and friendly. I would 100% recommend this trail to anyone who enjoys the outdoors or cycling. Would come again.

Calrolyn_B