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.
It was recommended to us by Mumblers in the Doncaster Mumbler Parents Chat Group as a good place to take my mini mumbler, who needed a good route to practice and build up his confidence on his bike.
We went in September 2020 and parked at Hassop Station (you need to pay for parking – they do take card), where there was a cafe, toilet facilities, bike hire and a play area – see a map of the Monsal Trail here
Using this as our start and finish, we cycled along the former railway line with amazing views along the way and it was a lovely straight path to cycle on. Perfect for a family bike ride and there were places to pull off the track and have a picnic, which we did. Cycling through the tunnels was a novelty and there is lighting in the tunnels (the lights operate dawn to dusk and in the winter switch off around 4.30pm).
My youngest, age 6 managed to cycle around 8 miles, heading back to Hassop Station after we went through the Headstone Tunnel and we rewarded ourselves with some delicious ice cream whilst we waited for my daughter and husband doing the extra stretch – they cycled 14 miles-ish and my 8 year old loved it…she was very tired though!
We can really recommend it, whether you’re cycling or walking.
Find more information on their website
