The Monsal Trail is a lovely, very gentle countryside walk along an abandoned local rail line near Bakewell in the Peak District. It allows one to get a nice feel for the countryside of the area but on a less strenuous trail than much of what is available in the area. It does lack the more rewarding or challenging aspects of some hikes, but the easy access is convenient, while the walk along an old rail line gives a different perspective. It goes by old former rail stations, under bridges, through tunnels, and across viaducts with views. Many stations and other places along the trail have car parks, allowing easy access. Some of the spots along the walk have cafes or places to eat, shops, toilets, etc. The view from the viaduct at the Monsal Dale is nice. We parked at the old Bakewell train station and started from there, walking north to go across Monsal Dale and back, an easy but enjoyable walk.

Great day out…BUT BE AWARE! Visiting area, cracking B&B, for first time we were so excited by what we saw as we drove in. Followed advice from friends who told us about good and free parking. We had a great walk on the trail, did 8 miles, so many birds and flowers and views to die for. We got back to our car to find a parking fine , turns out the road to Litton Mill is a CLEARWAY, we checked and too late we saw signs. Spoiled our day but after phone call today…no chance of a let off. Told to park at the old railway station and lady said “surely you could see the road is narrow”. We will be back next Spring but may try to find a bus from our superb B&B.

The Monsal trail station and cafe toilets . They are not cleaned filthy and a health hazard. After walking the dog we decided to have lunch. We used the restrooms which are adjacent to the cafe, and left without lunch. I will not go back to the cafe. and have been on holiday in Millersdale for a few years.

Amazing place. Loved the walks, the weir and viaduct. Great for walking and cycling. You need good legs when coming down from Monsal Head as there are steep steps and paths. The hotel at the top does lovely food and you can buy ice creams at the top. We stopped at a campsite two min walk away from Monsal Head

We did part of this Monsal trail route this weekend as a lovely walk. It was very flat, with most of it alongside a river. It takes in lovely scenery and was suitable for all ages (with many different ages seen along the route). However, it is not very accessible, particularly as there are 2 sets of lovely steeping stones which were slippery and uneven & parts of the trial that were very slippery (despite good July weather) where we had to really watch our footing and crouch down to climb down. We’re glad we had on our walking boots and not trainers. We walked a circular route from Millers Dale car park to Chee Dale, taking in the old lime kiln, 2 lots of stepping stones and the three tunnels, and ending back at the start point of the cafe in the millers Dale car park. It was 7.5k in total. We’ll defo be back.

We completed the Monsal Trail in 2 parts over 2 days. On day one we parked on the road near Bakewell Station. As we walked through the station we turned right, and so got the small end of the walk (we should have turned left!). We walked back, and then continued just beyond the Thornbridge Estate. At this point we had not seen any tunnels, but we had stopped at Haddon Station for a pint and ice cream. At Thirnbridge Estate we met a lovely elderly couple who advised us of how far ahead the tunnels were, and told us that Thornbridge Estate was free to park at, so we decided to call it a day and walk back to our car and return for the rest on Friday. We came back on Friday, parked up at the Thornbridge Estate and went into the Quakers cafe for breakfast before setting off. We completed the trail, seeing all the wonderful tunnels and viaducts. It is worth noting I was on foot with the husband and elderly dog, my step son was on his bike. We covered almost 12 miles on the second day. On the way back we stopped at the lovely Anglers Rest at Millers Dale (I will review separately) It is a lovely activity to do whether you are young or old. You can also hire bikes if that takes your fancy! Highly recommend!

After reading a mix of positive and negative reviews about the Monsal Trail, we decided to experience it firsthand. We rented bikes at Hassop station, which offered a swift and efficient service, and cycled to the trail's end and back. We weren't disappointed. The trail showcased a range of sights, from breathtaking scenery to observing walkers and abseilers. Cycling through the tunnels was particularly enjoyable, though a heads-up for the occasional drips from above! While there aren't many facilities directly on the trail, a short detour can lead to refreshment spots. Indeed, there are other magnificent hiking areas nearby, but it would have been a missed opportunity not to savor the trail itself.

A lovely place for a day out on the bikes (or walking). We took two 7 year olds and our own bikes. The paths are well maintained, it’s safe and the scenery beautiful. Plenty of opportunities and benches to stop along the way to have our packed lunch. We’ll be back!

Brilliant trail for all whether you're walking or biking! We hired bikes from Blackwell Mill and cycled to Bakewell, taking our time and enjoying the sights. The kids especially like the tunnels! The way back from Bakewell is slightly uphill so a bit of a slog compared to how easy it is on the way there. So would probably go from Bakewell next time to give my legs a rest! The trail was busy with lots of people strolling, hiking, leisurely biking or cycling with a purpose so it's a good idea to stick to the left and use your bell to let people know you're coming up behind them so they can move over. Unfortunately, on the way back, we got a front tyre puncture on the adult bike with the tag along (no one's fault, these things happen!) just before Cressbrook tunnel. Be aware that phone signal is spotty so my husband and son had to cycle on to find somewhere that they could call the cycle hire place - this turned out to be the Millers Dale stop! But we were soon on our way again so the day was not spoilt. When we got to Bakewell, we locked the bikes up at the old station and walked in - there is a hill! - but it was good to stretch our legs and have wander around the town.

This it a really lovely family bike trail. We enjoyed it as a family - my Son was 6, it was his first big bike ride and he loved it. The only reason we weren't prepared was that we hadn't being on a bike ride in so long and it's a long journey and the saddle holds no prisoners. I ended up walking quite a bit of it, biking through the tunnels.