Now the railway is no more, it has been converted into a very large bookshop. This walk follows the monsal trail along the old railway line west from bakewell, returning via a couple of diversions around chee dale and watercumjolly dale. Monsal trail tunnels the monsal trail tunnels offer one of the most spectacular leisure routes in britain for cycling, walking and horse riding. You travel through four railway tunnels headstone tunnel, cressbrook tunnel, litton tunnel and chee tor tunnel. Taken to capture a lovely blue sky day, on the monsal trail, in derbyshire from monsal head, the monsal trail passes over headstone viaduct. Louise maskill and mark titterton the eight circular walks in this book will guide you along the length of the monsal trail and around many of the surrounding footpaths and bridleways, exploring the area and introducing you to some of the peak districts most beautiful, tranquil and historic limestone dales. Because we were under time constraints, we were only able to bimble a short section of it. Country book store discover derbyshire and the peak district. Here at hassop station, come and enjoy the traffic free monsal trail with our range of bicycles, tagalongs and child seats.
Having been closed since the 1960s, the monsal trail tunnels finally reopened in may 2011, taking visitors through lit tunnels. Jul, 2011 the monsal trail is an excellent facility, and i strongly recommend it to all cyclists. The monsal trail is a disused railway line closed in 1968 and converted in 20102011 into a new trafficfree cycle track, allowing people to cycle from blackwell mill, nr. The monsal trail the trail runs along the former midland railway line for 8.
Hassop station gift and book shop lets go peak district. The monsal trail runs through six old railway tunnels, all fully opened and lit during daylight hours. Hassop to millers dale walk from walks around britain. Opened in 2011 it encompasses a cafe, book shop, gift shop, cycle hire and bike shop. From 25 may 2011, the four railway tunnels headstone tunnel, cressbrook. Derbyshire heritage walks the monsal trail bakewell to. Monsal trail blackwell mill cycle hire in the derbyshire.
The monsal trail half marathon takes in the stunning, trafficfree monsal trail one of the most iconic of peak district trails with a flatish, good surface throughout. Give the whole family a great day out in the beautiful peak district, and now the spectacular tunnels are opening theres nothing to stop you. Those who have competed in all three events will have run 26. A wheelchair friendly walk on the monsal trail in derbyshire. The trail is a waymarked route with coordinated interpretation panels and listening posts to help people enjoy all it has to offer. The monsal trail tunnels are open for cycling, walking and horse riding offering one of the most spectacular leisure routes in britain. The monsal trail runs through the peak district national park and rewards you with plenty of excitement as you cycle through a series of dimly lit former railway tunnels. Our journey through one of the many tunnels on the monsal trail near bakewell, derbyshire. Peak district walk monsal head and ashfordinthewater. The monsal trail tunnels in the peak district national park are open for cycling, walking and horse riding offering one of the most spectacular leisure cycle, cycling and walking routes in britain it is the first time the public have been able to go through the tunnels on the monsal trail since the former midland railway line closed in 1968. The monsal trail is a popular walk for locals as well as tourists, and a great family venue offering something for everyone.
The original railway rose almost 600 feet between rowsley and buxton though it does undulate a bit, so riding from west to east is easier than east to west. Headstone tunnel, at the southern end of the viaduct, was reopened to the public in may 2011, along with nearby cressbrook and litton tunnels. I love to walk, but they are less keen i see you can get a bus from bakewell to monsal head. This walk is the section from hassop station cafe and cycle hire to the far side of cressbrook tunnel through the recently reopened tunnels along the former railway line.
A disused train tunnel, called monsal trail tunnel, between buxton and bakewell, in the peak district, derbyshire late september sunshine on the monsal trail, peak district, derbyshire. Monsal head car park monsal dale the viaduct headstone tunnel monsal trail ashfordinthewater pennyunk lane. We can also boast a large outdoor covered seating area with wendy houses to keep the little ones entertained, and any dog walkers dry. It is classified as two tunnels and its lengths are shown here.
The monsal trail tunnels were officially unveiled just a couple of weeks ago opening up the route for walking, cycling and horse riding from just to the south of buxton as far as bakewell. Traffic free monsal trail cycle route get out with the kids. The monsal trail is the 3rd and final instalment of nice works threepart peak district series. To explore this site of special scientific interest, walk the lane to little longstone from monsal head hotel.
Bakewell, the monsal trail and a tunnel day two, of our early september, camp at monsal head with a walk, or two, over the weekend with some friends. Most of the tunnels have been closed, but alternative routes have been provided. The monsal trail is a trafficfree route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and. Work started to reopen the tunnels and improve the surface of the monsal trail in december 2009 and was completed in may 2011 through the pedal peak district project. The monsal trail follows the path of the former midland railway from. May 30, 2011 this video shows 3 of the tunnels on the monsal trail which have been closed since the lince was closedcant rember the date. It seemed sensible to do a short and easy walk so that i would not be tired for the drive home, so i settled on the monsal trail, which follows the old railway line between bakewell and blackwell mill near buxton. The monsal trail is a cycling, horse riding and walking trail in the derbyshire peak district. Hire is available at hassop station cafe, bookshop and cycle hire. Monsal trail stock photos download 141 royalty free photos. I am visiting beautiful bakewell in august with my three teenagers. For many years the trail could not follow the trackbed through the tunnels at monsal head and cressbrook which been closed for.
Bakewell, the monsal trail and a tunnel peak ramblers. It is the first time the public have been able to go through the tunnels since the former midland railway line closed in 1968. Monsal trail bakewell 2020 all you need to know before. Work started to reopen the tunnels and improve the surface of the monsal trail in december 2009 and was completed in may 2011 through the pedal peak district project pedal peak district also encouraged thousands of people to take up or do more cycling by running cycle training, bike maintenance courses and cycling events project costs. The monsal trail, is a former midland railway line and the route will take you through four railway tunnels plus across the spectacular monsal viaduct. The monsal trail provides a glimpse of the history between man and nature in the peak district, including lime kilns and the magnificent monsal head viaduct. Having been closed since the 1960s, the monsal trail tunnels finally reopened in may 2011, taking visitors through lit. We found a great carpark at monsal head, this enables us to walk down to the viaduct and through the tunnel. A pass the old lime kilns on the right then cross the bridge where there are often abseiling groups. Continue along the track, being wary of cyclists they were much greater in number than on previous walks along the track this may have been due to the novelty of the tunnels having recently reopened, but is more than likely to be a permanent feature, now that it is possible to cycle for greater distances along the trail. The trail runs along the former midland railway line for 8. Monsal trail cycling for foodies the foodie travel guide. Monsal trail things to do in the peak district and derbyshire. Of course you must stop on the famous monsal viaduct and take in the view.
The trail follows the route of the old midland railway which closed for the last time in 1968, and a number of the old stations remain. Hassop station cafe foodie cycling the foodie travel guide. Some are almost half a kilometre long and curved, meaning that it is impossible to see the daylit opening from the start of the tunnel, adding to. I have walked this trail many times before, but earlier this year four tunnels have been reopened to the public. It was constructed from a section of the former manchester, buxton, matlock and midlands junction railway, built by the midland railway in 1863 to link manchester with london, which closed in 1968. This picture also shows the tops of two of the supporting buttresses. A disused railway converted to a track for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and less active people, including those in wheelchairs. Tunnels have been closed, but alternative paths round them created not suitable for disabled people. Signage is very good with several points of interest along the way. Enter the welllit chee dale tunnel which will take about five minutes to walk. Work to stabilise and restore these tunnels has recently been completed, and users of the trail can now follow the route of the railway all the way from bakewell to the end of the trail at blackwell mill.
The section from bakewell to little longstone is suitable for cyclists and horse riders. Along the route there are listening stations where you can hear podcasts about the trail. Monsal trail accessible walk, peak district the outdoor. The monsal trail is a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the peak districts most spectacular limestone dales. This walk begins at the main southern access point of the monsal trail at the former bakewell station.
There can be few converted railways as scenic and picturesque as the monsal trail through the peak district. Explore peaceful scenery and medieval cities on this 5day tour from london to wales and central england. Its a bit shaky the homemade camera mount proved not to be as stable as id hoped, and mk 2 of cyclecammount needs to be developed urgently. There are a few tunnels along the trail which are lit from dawn to dusk. I am very interested in walking part of the monsal trail. The next time we visit derbyshire, well definitely be heading back to the monsal trail to walk a bit more of it. We went through tunnels to walk the 8 mile to the end, then walked back. It starts at blackwell mill at wye dale and takes you along the former railway line to bakewell station. This walk begins at the main northern access point of the monsal trail at. Rambling mainly in northern england monsal trail tunnels. The monsal trail is just under 9 miles in length running from the coombs road viaduct, about a mile south of bakewell to blackwell mill junction, 3 miles or so from buxton. However, monsal trail was a great surprise as the old railway line cut through the peak district, with tunnels through hills and bridges over valleys and all of these are there to cycle through today.
This section includes spectacular scenery and no fewer than six tunnels. The route is largely flat with a slight downhill gradient from north to south making it ideal for easy walking and cycling. Keep straight on along the monsal trail, ignoring all side paths and following the wye dale route. Foot traffic is routed around four closed tunnels headstone, cressbrook, litton and chee tor no. In recent years, a lot of money has been spent on creating the monsal trail and tunnels along with the tissington trail, to make for a pleasant route for all to enjoy, either by foot or by bike. Peak ramblers ramblings bakewell, the monsal trail and. The monsal trail passes through several reopened railway tunnels in the peak district peak district national park. Monsal trail discover derbyshire and the peak district. The surface was quite good and the views from the trail are amazing.
Monsal trail bakewell all you need to know before you. For the most part the trail follows the path of the river wye, which means it offers some spectacular scenery. 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. A former railway line, it is eight and half miles long and runs from one mile south east of bakewell, to the head of chee dale.
Monsal trail is a great facility we did two section in two days. The station car parks at both bakewell and millers dale are convenient for those. Its a gentle gradient with several long lit tunnels you can cycle through imagining yourself as a train. This km former railway line follows the former manchester, buxton, matlock and midlands junction railway that runs from topley pike junction to coombs viaduct, just short of 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.
As we walked in a westerly direction, we soon encountered what was once a station, then, the open walk was soon to start. Runners will speed out along the scenic trail until they reach millers dale here athletes will turn and head back toward bakewell. The peak district national park have recently spent. Jul 30, 2017 the monsal trail in derbyshires peak district is a great family friendly cycle route. The monsal trail is a trafficfree route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the peak districts most spectacular limestone dales.
Book your tickets online for monsal trail, bakewell. Car parks are provided at former stations at bakewell and millers dale, both of which give level access onto the trail. As part of julians work, he has developed options and costs for reopening these as part of the trail. Parked at bakewell and rode up the trail through many tunnels. Silver cycling in the peak district and the monsal trail. If you enjoy stunning scenery then this is worth having a try. Monsal dale railway station opened in 1866 to serve the villages of upperdale and cressbrook, with the latters. Monsal trail bakewell all you need to know before you go. Follow the footsteps of william shakespeare in his birthplace of stratforduponavon, see the epic peaks of wales snowdonia. Monsal trail peak district cycling biking routes, events. Headstone tunnel, cressbrook tunnel, litton tunnel, chee tor tunnels 1 and 2 and rusher cutting.
On a mid october friday there were still lots of folk about on foot, bike and even horse as the northern end of the trail forms. Bakewell to rowsley via haddon hall tunnel coombs road rail introduction on may 25th 2011 the peak district national park opened the monsal trail through from great langstone to topley pike. Visit the many peak district villages along the route, with pubs and cafes close to the trail selling. Walking and cycling on the monsal trail, an old, disused railway track. The trail runs alongside the car park so there is no trouble accessing. The photos above show the view of monsal dale, one of the newly opened tunnels and bakewell station at the southern end of the trail. Commercial rewards from food outlets seem hostage to so many subjective fortunes but proprietors must be doing something right when hungry hoards descend. It is the first time the public have been able to go through the tunnels on the monsal trail since the former midland railway line closed in 1968. Bakewell, hassop and monsal head are the nearest stations from baslow hall.
Since i heard of the plans to reopen the tunnels on the monsal trail i have been watching progress and eagerly awaiting an opportunity to travel the old rail line unhindered. Over the shallow cut and cover sections, the land above is mostly park land grass. This route passes through the headstone tunnel, which is 487m long and lit up during the day. Pedal peak district also encouraged thousands of people to take up or do more cycling by running cycle training, bike maintenance courses and cycling events. From the best peak district walks and where to spot wildlife, to great places to eat or stay, ranger jenny waller has the lowdown. It was six months before i managed to visit and the trail already looked well worn. About 1 mile from the end of the trail is the refreshment room. Book a stay at yha ravenstor and explore the monsal trail.
We passed through disused station, a really interesting tunnel and onto the viaduct. The monsal trail walk and cycle route in the peak district. Monsal trail cycle hire is part of hassop station hassop station is the main cafe and outdoor area on the monsal trail. Its a fact of life that every business has good days and bad, no matter what they trade in. Aug 01, 2015 in 1964, hassop station was closed to goods traffic. The spacious, elegant old station building is complemented by a large sun terrace fronting the monsal trail for balmy sunny days and outside dining. Sadly, alvin and andy f had to go early due to work commitments, which left barney, andy h, shaun, tony, sean, geoff and chrissie, and of course, the two dogs tilly and dixie. Cross the road diagonally left to go through the largest wall gap. Now that the tunnels are open along this route it is surely one of the most scenic tracks in the country, with some of the best views the peak district has. The peak district monsal trail 10 mile 2020 10 miles in.
Steep walk down to the main trail but a beautiful walk. The monsal trail tunnels offer one of the most spectacular leisure routes in britain for cycling, walking and horse riding. There are lots of former railway lines up and down the country that have been converted into cycle routes. We have 3 year old whos limit is about 5 miles and a 8 month old in a buggy. Cycling the tunnels of the monsal trail in derbyshires peak. From 25 may 2011 the four railway tunnels headstone tunnel, cressbrook tunnel, litton tunnel, chee tor tunnel will also open for trail users. Monsal trail and tunnels walking accessible derbyshire. When numbers were similarly crunched 15 years ago, a figure of. With an awardwinning cafe, gift and book shop, cycle hire facilities, childrens play area and direct access to the trafficfree trail, its a great destination for a whole. Monsal trail tunnel in 2020 places to see, places to.
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