Monsal Trail

Monsal Trail Map Route at the Peak District & Derbyshire

Upcoming works: Monsal Trail (January 6th to mid-February 2025) Weekdays Only

What will be affected: At various times, either the whole through route of the Monsal Trail or specific sections will be closed to public access.

As areas have their required works completed, shorter, specific sections of the route will be fully re-opened 7 days a week. Please note that full, through-route access may still not be possible at this time on weekdays.

There may also be additional vehicle movements on the route at this time.

When: From 6th January to mid-February 2025. Weekdays, Monday-Friday. Weekends will not be affected.

Why: To allow for essential tree (ash dieback) management and other routine maintenance and monitoring of the route. This will involve tree felling across the route itself and timber removal. Closures are therefore for public safety.

Are other Trail facilities affected: No. Car parks, EV charging, cafes or other businesses and facilities connected to the route will not be directly impacted, however we recommend that visitors always check winter opening hours or the activities you wish to take part in before travelling.

If you are planning a cycle hire or abseiling excursion on weekdays during this period, we recommend contacting your provider in the first instance.

For regular updates on regarding the affected and then re-opened areas visit peakdistrict.gov.uk

The Monsal Trail is a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District's most spectacular limestone dales.

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, with the four impressive railway tunnels at Headstone Tunnel, Cressbrook Tunnel, Litton Tunnel and Chee Tor Tunnel only re-opened as recently as 2011 by the National Park Authority. Each tunnel is about 400 metres long and lit during normal daylight hours.

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 had remained hidden since the railway closed in 1968. A Monsal Trail highlight remains the striking view from the Headstone Viaduct, below Monsal Head.

The former station ticket office at Millers Dale – around half way along the route – re-opened in 2019 as a café, with toilets and parking also available. The public will also be able to access the former station Goods Shed as a free interpretation zone from 2020.

Cycle hire centres servicing the trail can be found at Hassop Station, (at the Bakewell end of the trail) and at Blackwell Mill, (at the northern end of the trail).

Other former railway lines now open as traffic-free trails can be found at High Peak/Tissington Trail and Ashbourne, with cycle hire centres also servicing these routes.