South Park Group, SEAN HASHEM For an EPIC view point dont miss Bamford Edge. Option to extend walk Instead of right, turn left after youve crossed the bridge and walk alongside the river for about 1 km then returning the same route. Use postcode DE45 1BU to get the central Bakewell car parks. It was popular with Victorian tourists who would make their way up with coach and horses from Monsal Dale station which opened to the public in 1866. The 173 bus runs between Castleton and Bakewell and stops at Monsal Head. Green Bridge Investments, SEAN HASHEM It is the first time the public have been able to go through the tunnels since the former Midland Railway Line closed in 1968. The walk starts just opposite to Hobbs Cafe on the corner of the road that leads down into Monsal Dale. Both the short stay and long stay Monsal Head car parks are open 24 hours a day and parking charges apply all day. This is the shortest of all the monsall trails I know of but still includes the best parts of the tunnel The path leads up through the woodlands back to Monsal Head. You now follow the path under the viaduct and continue on the path next to the river. You can also visit Litton, Upper Dale, Water-Cum-Jolly Dale, Cressbrook Dale, and eventually end up at Millers Dale. Note there is no footpath along this road so go carefully. 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. From the car park at Monsal Dale, walk through the gap in the stone wall, about halfway up the car park. Getting to the Monsal Dale Walk Trailhead. Or if you fancy making the walk longer you can add an extra out and back to explore more of the beautiful Derbyshire Dale, Monsal Dale. People with dogs however need to be more mindful of the signs saying to keep dogs on the lead. The Monsal Trail is in the centre of the Peak District National Park, starting just north of Bakewell, 10 miles north of Matlock and 8 miles west of Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Or check out all our Peak District walking routes here, Peak District Walks is a FREE online resource. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids this would be a 1 hour walk, but with young kids, allow a good 1.5-2 hours.STILE: One squeeze stile. Theres also an ice-cream van here (cards accepted), which is usually open weekends and school holidays. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. So, you can visit all times of the year whenever you like! If you park up at the bottom in the short stay car park in front of the Monsal Head Hotel, this is where you will find the facilities and (in my opinion) the best views from Monsal Head. Monsal Memories is a series of six 10-minute podcasts about people who worked on, lived by or travelled on the former Midland Railway which ran through the heart of the Peak District National Park from 1863 to 1968. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The Monsal Dale Viaduct is a fine example of Victorian engineering. Time for an ice-cream from the van or a pint in the Stable Bar. The Stables Bar next to the Monsal Head Hotel is a characterful rustic pub for a drink and bite to eat after your walk. Wherever you stand, youll get some fabulous panoramas over Monsal Dale. Read more here. 1.5-mile route. Cross the road diagonally left to go through the largest wall gap. Wyedale a ten minute walk along a bridleway to the Trail. The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and part of the Natura 2000 network across Europe! Bookings; B6049. This is at no extra cost to you. Here you will find details on how to get to the start of the walk at Monsal Head, route information, map, GPX file, plus a detailed step by step guide of the walk. The Monsal Headstone Viaduct was protected and became a Grade II listed building in 1970. Thanks so much! 2 min. . There are also pay and display car parks at: Coaches can be parked at Bakewell's Agricultural Business Centre near the town centre and at Monsal Head car park. Once youve finished admiring the views from the top, step forward near the walking sign over the road. If you are planning a visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Facilities: Public toilets in the car park and pub at Monsal Head Hotel. PayByPhone location number 806397. Its a great way to get them engaged with the walk and gives them a sense of responsibility. It is now considered a famous beauty spot by many (sorry John, youve been outnumbered!). Follow along the river little more, so then cross back over and climb back up to Monsal Head view point. There is also limited on street parking nearby for free. When you have finished exploring the tunnel walk across the viaduct taking in the stunning views. Car park is Pay & Display unless your parked right infront of the cafe as a customer (ask staff for a car park ticket!). Great little walk! Go though the gate and continue walking down the path through the trees where you can get a glimpse of Monsal Viaduct and the Monsal Trail. Cross the river here and then follow the trail round to the left (back towards the viaduct). City Services City Directory Search searchform-top By then youre very close to Chee Dale Stepping Stones which hug a limestone gorge and take you across the water! After 0.5 km, turn left onto Vicarage Lane and follow it for another 0.5 km. Beautiful scenery all round. So, if you wanted to save some money, I would definitely say to park after 6 pm here! Car Parks Street Private. But, in order to build the Monsal Dale station, the Midlands Railway needed to construct the Monsal Headstone Viaduct for the line. Dont miss out on the most AMAZING of all the Peak District walks for families. Type - Short Stay Pay & Display car park (2hrs maximum stay - 8am-6pm) Capacity - 19 spaces - 1 blue badge space. The views are stunning but take care on the walk up or down to the viaduct, as its a little rocky and steep in places. More information about our Privacy Policy. The start of the trail GPS coordinates 53.24064, -1.72500. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. Took about 40 minutes. Were so unfit but thank you so much. The car park machine was cash only, although it does mention another machine that takes card payments. Monsal Head Walk Suitability for family: This walk is great for families with children of any age. It's totally free and you get so much more by joining in! There are some nice ways to extend the Monsal Head walk. privacy policy Stay safe this winter and read our Winter Walking Tips. Monsal Dale is located in the White Peak limestone area of the Peak District National Park. You will see an old disused shelter on your left. Also, feel free to share your walk photos with us on Instagram. On the other side of the road is a small short-stay car park. A link to set a new password will be sent to your email address. Nice short walk with stunning views such as the waterfall. The Monsal Head viewpoint came about with the introduction of the Midlands Railway in 1863 which connected London with Manchester. Are you enjoying the walks? Monsal Head - Short Stay 19 spaces. Or, if youre heading to Monsal Head by bus there is a Bakewell to Monsal Head bus service. Ask us any questions in the comments or via our social media. Review. We made a few stops and went through the tunnel and back before ending at the stating point. Thors Cave Walk, Peak District The Easiest & Shortest Route (2023)! How to get to Thors Cave in the Peak District, How to get to the incredible Bamford Edge, How to find Robin Hoods Cave in Stanage Edge, A complete guide to Peakshole Water in Castleton, How to visit Little Johns Grave in Hathersage, A Harry Potter guide for Hardwick Hall aka Malfoy Manor, How to visit & cross Dovedale Stepping Stones, Best things to do in Ashford in the Water. Past High Dale, I eventually . Its also quite close to Bakewell, Buxton, and a short drive from the popular Chatsworth House if you wanted to stop here after your visit. Youll see a walking sign pointing to either side of the steps and from here, there are some amazing angles for photos. If the weather is fine, why not pick up some ice cream from their Monsal Head Ices truck which is just outside? Follow the path up to the left. There are also public toilets located at the long stay car park at Monsal Head. Top tips - Read our useful guides onhiking tips here. Peak District National Park has 45 car parks, 18 of which have a Pay & Display system. At the beginning and end of the walk there are some steep sections of trail that are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Ask me any questions about the route in the comments below. Your email address will not be published. Getting there: There are no public transport routes to Monsal Head. Lightweight transport vehicles (also known as 'e-scooters' are notpermitted on our trails network). This short Monsal Head walk follows the below map in a clockwise direction starting from the pay and display car park behind the Monsal Head Hotel. Great river spots for the dogs to have a swim and cool off & some wonderful views. They also serve up some scrumptious afternoon tea with homemade scones and light bites throughout the day. Food and drink: There is a cafe and pub that serves food at Monsal Head. The National Park has a varied landscape of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, wooded estuaries and wild . From the Monsal Head car park, head to the view point in between The Stables Bar and Longstone Bar (which is part of Monsal Head Hotel). 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. If you park in this layby there is a small path (on the other side of the wall) that leads back to Monsal Head. So, you could see all of this area in around 10 minutes if you just wanted to take a quick photo. There are no plans to extend existing car parks or build new ones. Your email address will not be published. Distance 5.5 km Duration 2:43 h Ascent 194 m Descent 196 m A walk along Monsal Dale from Monsal Head car park. Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here).