Discover the Monsal Trail
Discover along the way the stepping stones and natural springs, lime-kilns and the old station at Millers Dale built in 1863 where the hustle and bustle of the past are but a distant memory. Spot the cotton mills of Litton and Cressbrook built in the 18th century, here the force of the river Wye was used to power the water wheels of the mills.
Stop and look down to see the river Wye waterfall at water Cum-Jolly unseen from this view point for over forty years. Cycle on to Hassop Station, where you can enjoy a welcome break at the bookstore and restaurant. Then continue cycling on to the famous Market town of Bakewell where you will find designated bike racks to allow you to park your bike and browse.
On your return rest and relax before going home at Blackwell Mills very own Lazy Days Tuck shop where you can indulge yourself with refreshments of coffee, cake and confectioneries.
Distance:
Blackwell Mill > Bakewell > Blackwell Mill and back is 16 miles total of cycling traffic-free bliss
Where to eat & drink:
Fuel up pre-ride at our Blackwell Mill’s Lazy Days tuck shop, Millers Dale Station and mid-ride ice creams at Monsal Head, and of course the views there are stunning. Cycling on to Hassop Station and the famous market town of Bakewell, where you can park and browse. Monday is market day, see the town in all its glory.
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Visit the many Peak District villages along the route, with pubs and cafés close to the trail selling fantastic food and local produce with plenty of outdoor seating.
History of the Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail tunnels offer one of the most spectacular leisure routes in Britain for cycling, walking and horse riding.
It is the first time the public have been able to go through the tunnels since the former Midland Railway Line closed in 1968.
Following work by the Peak District National Park Authority – using £2.25 million funding from the Department of Transport – the tunnels have been repaired, resurfaced and lit to form an extension to the existing Monsal Trail.
Interpretation explaining the former history of the route has also been installed.
The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell.
Most of the route was opened to the public in 1981 but four former railway tunnels had to remain closed due to safety reasons, with public footpaths taking people around them. From 25 May 2011 the four railway tunnels – Headstone Tunnel, Cressbrook Tunnel, Litton Tunnel, Chee Tor Tunnel – will also open for trail users. Each tunnel is about 400 metres long and will be lit during normal daylight hours.
Two shorter tunnels – Chee Tor No.2 and Rusher Cutting – already formed part of the Monsal Trail.
The public can now experience the full length of the former railway route at their own pace and see breathtaking views at places like Water-cum-Jolly Dale that have remained hidden since the railway closed in 1968.
My wife and I (late 50’s) rented bikes at Blackwell Mills and cycled to Chatsworth House and back. The bikes are excellent (my wife liked hers better than her bike back home) and the service is oustanding. 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 MFollowing a bit of research, Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire seemed a good choice…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!
Emer135Visited 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 JMonsal 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 BHad a brilliant day out. 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