So tranquil- even in the rain. Be prepared this is a long, challenging and intrepid trek. The walk starts just opposite to Hobbs Cafe on the corner of the road that leads down into Monsal Dale. 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. Distance 5.5 km Duration 2:43 h Ascent 194 m Descent 196 m A walk along Monsal Dale from Monsal Head car park. The Stables Bar used to be used for horses that would carry tourists from the Monsal Dale station up to this viewpoint! Stage 1 Monsal Head to Monsal Dale Weir, Stage 2 Monsal Dale Weir to Monsal Head. If you enjoyed one of our walks, you can show your support by buying me a coffee. Then click here to download the PDF to print out at home. https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/parking. Copyright Third Eye Traveller 2023 | Disclosure & Privacy Policy, Monsal Head overnight parking charge 1. This Monsal Head walk is a classic Peak District walk and perfect if youre just looking for a casual Sunday afternoon stroll. The Peak District: Monsal Head and Dale Loop TIDE Enjoy this 1.6-mile loop trail near Bakewell, Derbyshire. This walk begins from Monsal Head where you can enjoy the views down to the valley including the impressive viaduct. More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources. Click here for Google Map point on your phone. Take the footpath on the right that leads through the woodland and down towards the River Wye. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. 4. If youre looking for a longer circular Monsal Head walk, read our Ashford-in-the-Water walk to Monsal Head (6.2km). Its only 1 all night which is perfect if you wanted to visit for sunset photos or grab some dinner from the Stable Bar. Monsal Head car park Monsal Head - Short Stay (806397) Address - Monsal Head, Little Longstone, DE45 1NL. The amazing thing about this viewpoint is that you get some of the best views in all of the Peak District National Park but you dont have to walk miles to see them! Monsal Head Walk With Waterfall - 2023 (The Peak District) Car parking address: Monsal Head car park, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell, DE45 1NL - Google maps There are two car parks at Monsal Head, the main one which has 150 spaces then a small short stay one with 19 spaces for up to 1 hour (the price is the same for up to an hour at both car parks). Rivers can of course be hideously dangerous, so please do be careful and of course dont go in if it seems too deep or too fast; it can change a lot in different seasons. At Monsal Head, theres a pub (Monsal Head Hotel + Pub) with outdoor seating area, a cafe (Hobbs Cafe) and lastly, the all important ice-cream stand! Awesome short trail to see Monsal Head and the Weir. By then youre very close to Chee Dale Stepping Stones which hug a limestone gorge and take you across the water! Ashford in the Water, Derbyshire DE45 1NL, UK. Start location: Park at Monsal Head. When you reach the viaduct you can actually explore the dramatic headstone tunnel. INRIX receives parking information, including pricing, from many sources. Its located in the White Peak area of the national park in the county of Derbyshire. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. So, if you wanted to save some money, I would definitely say to park after 6 pm here! From the car park at Monsal Dale, walk through the gap in the stone wall, about halfway up the car park. Weve just completed the short Monsal Head walk and your guide has been invaluable. Pretty steep at the end, we chose the path on the left to start was a nice steady decline. Monsal Head Viewpoint, Peak District - A Complete Visitor Guide (2023)! Thors Cave Walk, Peak District The Easiest & Shortest Route (2023)! It is illegal for motor vehicles and motorcycles to use the route. 5. It has a protruding rock the Peak Districts answer to the Trolls Tongue a perfect spot for a Peak District instagram pic. Merge onto Ashford Lane/B6465 and follow it for 1mi before turning left onto Ashford Lane. Do check out our top tips for hiking with young kids, as well as our essential items to take on a family hike in the Peak District. You can either choose to grab a drink and some snacks or a pub meal from their menu of dishes. Nice little walk with a steep bit at the end, depending which way you walk it of course. 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 Head to Fin Cop & Waterfall Swallet Walk Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here). So, youll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monsal Dale with very little effort! 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 you have found the start of the trail head down to the right. Monsal Head - Long Stay 89 spaces. Filter. Car parking can be paid using the 'contactless' button and then using a card if you haven't got change. Please note that swimming and paddling in the river here is not permitted and fencing has been erected to protect Monsal Weir. Let me know in the comments if youve done this walk fromMonsal Head and what you think! When you reach the small road turn right and walk down the road. Peak District National Park has 45 car parks, 18 of which have a Pay & Display system. Car Parks Street. Here is a map with the locations of each car park. It is the only National Park in the UK to be designated primarily because of its spectacular coastline, which covers more than 300 kilometres. The main draw for visiting here is without a doubt the postcard-worthy views you can get from all around this viewpoint. Monsal Head - Short Stay 19 spaces. The nearest train stations are at Buxton and Matlock but would require a bus journey to an access point. A bit of a struggle up and the path is narrow so you will need to give way/be close to others so bare in mind if your dog is reactive. After you cross this Monsal viaduct keep following the monsal trail into Cressbrook dale, Millers dale and Chee dale. Continue walking alongside the River Wye on the large grassy area heading straight for Monsal Viaduct, which looks more impressive the closer you get! 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. Moderate to easy. Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram andTwitter for inspiration. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. We have also compiled a list of TRIED and TESTED toddler friendly walks in the Peak District. Theres also an ice-cream van here (cards accepted), which is usually open weekends and school holidays. Most of the route was opened to the public . Follow the path all the way up, signposted Monsal Head as you near the top and then youre back at Monsal Head, ready to enjoy a treat at the pub, cafe or ice-cream stand! From the footbridge, turn right and follow the footpath towards the viaduct, with the River Wye on your right, soon walking through a wooden gate. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. Its run by Hulleys of Baslow and they have buses that run back and forth every two hours. Also, look out for the beautiful Mandarin Ducks along the River Wye as they are popular along this part of the river. From 25 May 2011 the four railway tunnels - Headstone Tunnel, Cressbrook Tunnel, Litton Tunnel, Chee Tor Tunnel will also open for trail users. If you walk through Headstone tunnel you can walk to Hassop and Bakewell along the Monsal trail. You can also visit Litton, Upper Dale, Water-Cum-Jolly Dale, Cressbrook Dale, and eventually end up at Millers Dale. If youre heading out on the Monsal Trail walk, there will be signs that will direct you to the stairs leading up to Monsal Head! Ashford, Monsal Dale and Shacklow Wood Circular, Monsal Head, Monsal Dale and Ashford-in-the-Water Circular, Brushfield, River Wye and Monsal Dale CIrcular, Monsal Trail, Ashford in the Water and Bakewell Circular, Ashford-in-the-Water and Monsal Head Circular, Dovestone, Yeoman Hey Reservoir, and Greeenfield Reservoir Circular, Ashford-in-the-Water - Magpie Mine Circular, Ashford, Monsal and Headstone Tunnel Circular, Great Longstone and the Monsal Trail Circular, Monsal Head, Fin Cop, Cracknowl Woods Circular, Great Longstone and Longstone Head Circular. The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell. 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. Whether youre hoping for a swim or not, we still recommend this as a great picnic stop, because of the open flat green space and beautiful spots to admire the waterfall. Monsal Head Standing at the top of the road that heads down to Cressbrook (which is worth driving through if you have the time!) The Monsal Trail stretches for 8.5 miles and starts from Bakewell going via Chee Dale and ends up at Blackwell Mill. Car parks are shown on the Monsal Trail map. After the viaduct keep going straight ahead across the fields keeping the river to your left. Have you got the bottle to help create a plastic free Peak District? 'Peak District Kids' is the go-to website for parents both visiting and living in the Peak District, run by Bakewell-based mum-of-two, Jenny Lynn. It's totally free and you get so much more by joining in! Or, you can head into the pretty town of Bakewell to try the famous Bakewell Pudding or a Bakewell Tart. We made a few stops and went through the tunnel and back before ending at the stating point. In the summer you may come across cows in the fields to pass through, and can dip in the river below which is lovely. Places . Monsal Head parking - Car Parks, Street Parking, Private Garages Thank you very much . Its lovely short walk from Monsal Head but this is a popular spot so expect it to be busy at peak times. Ah so lovely to hear Im glad you had a wonderful walk in the rain! Its also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading. 14667703, [email protected] | work with us. There are benches on the lower viewpoint and from here you can see the Monsal Viaduct, the River Wye, and the Monsal Dale Valley. There are also annual and weekly parking permits available. Now 2 hours. Be aware that there are some steep sections of path and steps. There is also a 500m section along a small country road (no footpaths). 2. Take ALL your rubbish home to dispose of and remember close gates (as you found them). Open from Jan to Dec. Council car park .. 1 from 6 til 8 . Follow the path up to the left. Cross the river here and then follow the trail round to the left (back towards the viaduct). Heres a lovely short walk from Monsal Head with stunning views down to the valley of Monsal Dale and Monsal Trail over the viaduct. More information about our Privacy Policy. Continue walking down the trail for around 500m and dont turn off. TOTAL ASCENT: 85 metresPUBLIC TOILETS: There are toilets at the Monsal Head car park (cash or online donation to use). This is also one of the best places to capture photos of the Monsal Headstone Viaduct. Please also take all litter home with you, dont bring BBQs and park your car in designated parking areas. As its so easy to get to, you can expect tourists and coaches to stop here constantly throughout the day. Youre 231 metres above sea level so you can see all over the valley with the River Wye below. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. Keep walking a little further and then cross the river at the bridge. *Peak District Walks participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliateprogrammes. Wheelchair and mobility scooter users can access the trail through accessible ramps at Bakewell Station, Hassop Station, Great Longstone Station and Millers Dale Station. Peak District National Park has 45 car parks, 18 of which have a Pay & Display system. Click here for more details on the Monsal Trail walking route. Even if this place is busy, you can still get amazing photos from the lower viewpoint which will be in front of Hobbs Caf Tearoom and over the B-road. Now 2 hours. DISTANCE OF WALK: 2.4km (1.5 miles)TYPE OF WALK: A circular walk, with a descent to the River Wye and a short steep ascent back up to the view point at the end. Thank you so much. The way soon crosses the first of a series of viaducts before plunging into Chee Tor Tunnel. Also, this is where youll head out on the Monsal Trail walk by heading down the steps to the path below. Saying that, whichever place you decide to park, the area is quite small and the walking distances here are extremely short. Monsal Head Car Park, Castlegate Lane, DE45 1NL Tideswell Dale Car Park, Buxton, SK17 8QH Wye Dale Car Park, Buxton, SK17 9TE Bumper, parked at the short-stay car park at Monsal Head. Joseph G. Business Owner. 8. Click here for Google Map point on your phone. Monsal Head is a historic viewpoint and lookout in the Peak District National Park which sees thousands of tourists visit each year. It can get quite muddy and slippy along here, so take care as you make your way downhill. National Park parkruns | parkrun UK Blog Heres youll have a wonderful viewpoint, before you even walk 10 metres! The sunsets behind this viewpoint and so the sun will be directly in your camera in the afternoon. PARK HOUSE CAMPSITE - Campground Reviews (Little - Tripadvisor Monsal Head and Viaduct Circular | Map, Guide - AllTrails Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2022. Find out about the best walks, bike rides, attractions, eateries and accommodation for families in and around the UK's oldest National Park. A limited service also operates to Monsal Head. Take ALL your rubbish home to dispose of and remember close gates (as you found them). Monsal Trail (Bakewell) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor There is also limited on street parking nearby for free. 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. . These stables are steeped in history and have been here for over 200 years, way before the railway was built when it used to be a coaching inn. There is also Hobbs Cafe and an ice cream truck. Follow this path down to the right. Start/finish: Monsal Head car park | Maps: OS Explorer OL24 - The Peak District, White Peak (1:25k scale) | Distance: 1.9 miles/3km | Ascent: 350ft/107m | Duration: 1 to 2 hours | Transport: None to start. A Parking Management Company, born in Hollywood, CA, TOM MEREDITH This post may contain affiliate links. Today, its a popular spot for visitors to grab lunch or coffee with a birds-eye view of the Monsal Dale valley. Monsal Head car park Monsal Dale The Viaduct Headstone Tunnel Monsal Trail Ashford-in-the-Water Pennyunk Lane 1 From the car park pass the toilets on your right to walk between the Monsal Head Hotel and the Stable Bar. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. Home Page | LADOT Parking Use postcode DE45 1BU to get the central Bakewell car parks. Monsal Head, Monsal Dale and Ashford-in-the-Water Circular The path leads up through the woodlands back to Monsal Head. Interactive map of the Monsal Head Walk. The Hobbs Cafe Monsal Head opening times is from 11am 4pm on Thursday to Sunday. Check prices here with Ordnance Surveyor Amazon. 7.55. Plenty of parking. The walk starts just opposite to Hobbs Cafe on the corner of the road that leads down into Monsal Dale. Short walk, great view from the start overlooking the valley and viaduct, and of course great to take small detour along the tunnel. Please keep the Peak District beautiful and respect everyone who uses the park. Monsal Dale and Wye Valley - A 10 km Circular Walk Peak District Kids is a free online resource. The path now gradually begins to incline and youll get some more beautiful views of the viaduct on your right. nice food at the pub too, Amazing easy trail suitable for families with small kids. Here are all the things to do in Monsal Head. You will soon see stunning views to your left over Monsal Dale. Two shorter tunnels - Chee Tor No.2 and Rusher Cutting already formed part of the Monsal Trail. Check the weather for your walk location and hills. There is a large flat grass area on one side of the river that lends its self to relaxing. 7. Need more help planning your Peak District trip? Once across youll see a some buildings, walk past these then immediately after the building, turn right and head down the footpath alongside them. When you have finished exploring the tunnel walk across the viaduct taking in the stunning views. From cafs, pubs, a popular ice cream truck, and picnic spots. Lightweight transport vehicles (also known as 'e-scooters' are notpermitted on our trails network). Monsal Head - Derbyshire, Inghilterra : scopri i migliori sentieri escursionistici e trekking sulla mappa e pianifica la tua escursione. If its waterfalls that float your boat there is another amazing waterfall on Kinder Scout. The route is closer to 1.5 miles, so a great short loop, however you do have the walk back uphill so be sure to add on extra time on the way back! There are also public toilets located at the long stay car park at Monsal Head. There are many entrance points to the Monsal Trail along the route between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill at Chee Dale see our map. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Car parks are shown on the Monsal Trail map. From Monsal Head I walked down the slope the the Wye River and found the footbridge there There was no one else around and it made this lovely walk even better. The scenery and route make this Monsal Head walk ideal for families. Want to print off this walk guide rather than rely on your mobile? I loved the cherry Bakewell flavour! The most parking is in Bakewell where there are several pay and display car parks in the town and a small car park next to the Trail at. Monsal Head then became a popular attraction for tourists who would take coaches up here from Monsal Dale station to admire the views. +44 1629 761 100. Turn right to follow the field path towards Monsal Head. When this railway was constructed, multiple buildings were built on top of Monsal Head for railway workers and visitors along with the Railway Hotel. If you are a competent wild swimmer, there is also a deep spot closer to the waterfall that is fun for a little dip. Surprising experience. 1. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. Nearby you can also explore the Thornbridge outdoor centre, Cressbrook dale and Peters stone. For all Ordnance Survey mapping on this website: Crown copyright 2023 OS 100066702, Jenny Lynn LtdRegistered in England and Wales:No. This is a wonderful circular route in the Peak District National Park that begins in Monsal Head and visits the River Wye, Deep Dale Nature Reserve, Great Shacklow Wood, Little Shacklow Wood . 5. Pub: Packhorse Inn, Little Longstone (early doors) Maps: 1:25000 White Peak Route: Drop down to Monsal Dale and follow river to A6. We stayed at Park House Campsite in 2012 having read generally good reviews. The Monsal Trail stretches for 8.5 miles and starts from Bakewell going via Chee Dale and ends up at Blackwell Mill. Monsal Head Hotel has parking, toilets and you can get a refreshment here before or after the hike. We would like more people to use their bicycles for travel to and from work, for shopping and for leisure without using their cars. So, its my kind of place. Were so unfit but thank you so much. There is plenty of things to see on this exciting walking and cycling trail through the heritage railway line. Monsal Head car park. This well lit route allows cyclists and walkers to enjoy the tunnel section of the trail that links monsal dale to Bakewell. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change. If youre hiking in all weathers the Active OS maps are pretty good to have. Both the short stay and long stay Monsal Head car parks are open 24 hours a day and parking charges apply all day. Once youre over the other side, there is a small beach area of the river for the kids to play in the mud/sand to the left. On allPeak District family walksits a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. Nice walk , pathway down is very narrow so youll have to wait for people coming the opposite way to pass, the pooch loved the river once down in the valley. 0-1 - 1.50. Top tips - Read our useful guides onhiking tips here. 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! If youre after an epic family day out check out Chatsworth house with its awesome play park, farm and gardens. Walk Time: 5-6 hours Difficulty: Distance: 13.2 miles (23 km) Trig Points Bagged: Wardlow Hay Cop It provides amazing views over Monsal Dale valley, the Monsal Viaduct, River Wye, and beyond! Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram andTwitter for inspiration. The prices for parking: Up to 1 hour 1.50 Up to 2 hours 2.50 Up to 3 hours 3.80 Up to 4 hours 5.00 All day 6 hours Great river spots for the dogs to have a swim and cool off & some wonderful views. Follow along the river little more, so then cross back over and climb back up to Monsal Head view point. Both are very different things. Best Ashford in the Water Walks - Monsal Dale Circular Walk 6541 Hollywood Blvd #203, Los Angeles, CA 90028, copyright 2017 carpark inc. So, you may find the lighting is bad before it sets behind the hills. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Tuesday 14 March - Success and Failure: Expedition Alpinism with Will Its not until you stand right underneath it that you can appreciate its sheer size. Walk highlights: Monsal Dale valley, River Wye and views of the viaduct from above and below. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. The Monsal Head Hotel history started when the Midland Railway Line opened in 1863 and this hotel was a Railway Hotel. 1 2 hours. They are operated by a light sensor, so in winter when the hours of daylight are less, the lights in the tunnels will switch off earlier in the day - around 4.30pm. Lovely trail on a sunny afternoon. The viewpoint is only 5 minutes drive from the cute village of Ashford in the Water along the B6465 country roads. Third Eye Traveller is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Walk until you reach a wooden gate almost under the the viaduct and squeeze through the narrow stone gap on the left. This trail has a few different starting points, making it easier or longer. This trail will then take you under the viaduct. The Stables Bar next to the Monsal Head Hotel is a characterful rustic pub for a drink and bite to eat after your walk. So, you could take in the views at Monsal Head, then carry on down the hill towards the valley to see the spectacular views of the Monsal Dale below! Follow the road down past the houses and you will see a small bridge crossing the river. Four of the longer tunnels are lit during daylight hours, dawn to dusk, to make them safe to use. The trail either leads left towards Ashford and Monsal Dale or right towards Upperdale and Monsal Viaduct! Great great little route. The start of the trail GPS coordinates 53.24064, -1.72500. Other things to see and do near Monsal Head. YES! Bamford edge affords amazing views over Lady Bower reservoir. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites., essential items to take on a family hike in the Peak District. Corporate Volunteering and Sponsorship for Businesses, Monsal Trail - Work to re-open the tunnels, How to get to the Monsal Trail by bus or train, Find out more about the work to re-open the tunnels. Beautiful short route, saw some many people with buggies, its really not practical for that. Note there is no footpath along this road so go carefully. Hard in places very busy. South Park Group, SEAN HASHEM This gradually leads you back up to the main viewpoint where this circular Monsal Head walk began. Lovely walk even for our 4 year old. Are you enjoying the walks?