It is the first time the public have been able to go through the tunnels since the former Midland Railway Line closed in 1968. So, what is there to do at Monsal Head viewpoint? I did find that in summer there was lots of stinging nettles, weeds, and foliage which blocked some of the views. The river also widens and slows down in this area, so in the right weather and conditions it is also great for a paddle. Or check out all our Peak District walking routes here, Peak District Walks is a FREE online resource. I loved the cherry Bakewell flavour! Training. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. The Stables Bar used to be used for horses that would carry tourists from the Monsal Dale station up to this viewpoint! There is also a layby for FREE roadside parking on Castlegate Lane (B6465) a few hundred meters north of Monsal Head. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Excellent short trail for when you dont have time for any of the longer trails in this area. Love the walks in the Peak District? From 25 May 2011 the four railway tunnels - Headstone Tunnel, Cressbrook Tunnel, Litton Tunnel, Chee Tor Tunnel will also open for trail users. Thanks so much! (Less of a strenuous climb). Postcode is: DE45 1NL.WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Amazing views of Headstone Viaduct across Monsal Dale, an impressive weir, and you walk right underneath the viaduct too. Read more here. Peak District Kids is a free online resource. Monsal Head - Short Stay (806397) Address - Monsal Head, Little Longstone, DE45 1NL. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. 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. It's totally free and you get so much more by joining in! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 52 min to complete. . If youre after an epic family day out check out Chatsworth house with its awesome play park, farm and gardens. Ah so lovely to hear Im glad you had a wonderful walk in the rain! Surprising experience. Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram andTwitter for inspiration. There is also limited on street parking nearby for free. The prices for parking: There is also a small short stay car park at the front of the pub overlooking Monsal Dale. There is plenty of things to see on this exciting walking and cycling trail through the heritage railway line. The path leads up through the woodlands back to Monsal Head. There is also Hobbs Cafe and an ice cream truck. The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell. Follow this path down to the right. It is illegal for motor vehicles and motorcycles to use the route. Bamford edge affords amazing views over Lady Bower reservoir. PARKING: Pay and display car park at Monsal Head car park, next to the Monsal Head Hotel. The viewpoint is only 5 minutes drive from the cute village of Ashford in the Water along the B6465 country roads. The campsite is well located on the B6465 (Ashford Lane) north west of Bakewell, Derbyshire almost on the edge of the spectacular Monsal Head, which is well worth a visit if only to look out over the beautiful Derbyshire landscape. 1. Iconic Monsal Head is where the impressive Headstone Viaduct, which forms part of the Monsal Trail, straddles the verdant Monsal Dale and the River Wye meanders aimlessly through. Filter. Click here to join the Peak District Kids Facebook Group. Also, feel free to share your walk photos with us on Instagram. '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. (A) 2 Turn right down the stone steps. Thors Cave Walk, Peak District The Easiest & Shortest Route (2023)! Id say good for families but is not wheelchair or pram friendly. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. then press "Register", Add a short description of the image e.g. Walk until you reach a wooden gate almost under the the viaduct and squeeze through the narrow stone gap on the left. Visit ourhiking recommendations page, (footwear, clothes + kit). We stayed at Park House Campsite in 2012 having read generally good reviews. Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here). Check the weather for your walk location and hills. You may also want to share your own photos from our walks in our Peak District Kids Facebook Group. Stay safe this winter and read our Winter Walking Tips. Required fields are marked *. Following work by the Peak District National Park Authority using 2.25 million funding from the Department of Transport the tunnels have been repaired, resurfaced and lit to form an extension to the existing Monsal Trail. 3. Perhaps print out a copy for the kids to follow the step-by-step directions and/or photos? 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 Bakewell Station. This post may contain affiliate links. Click the pins for more details. Type - Short Stay Pay & Display car park (2hrs maximum stay - 8am-6pm) Capacity - 19 spaces - 1 blue badge space. More information about our Privacy Policy. We will probably do the other circular walks you suggest. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Green Bridge Investments, SEAN HASHEM The path is narrow and gradually continue downhill, through another gate and then you reach the River Wye and Monsal Weir. More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources. We have a route guide to get to the waterfall from Edale. For all Ordnance Survey mapping on this website: Crown copyright 2023 OS 100066702, Jenny Lynn LtdRegistered in England and Wales:No. Joseph G. Business Owner. 6. Click here for more details on the Monsal Trail walking route. Please follow us and use the #peakdistrictkids hashtag so we can share with our wider community. Monsal Head car park We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Once youve parked up in the Monsal Head car park, the viewpoint is less than a minutes walk away from there. Skip to main content. Find parking charges, opening hours, postcode and a parking map of Millers Dale B6049 as well as other car parks, street parking, pay and display, parking meters and private garages for rent in High Peak. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. You can access Monsal Head by car. Id recommend shopping in The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop but you may have to queue! Cross the river here and then follow the trail round to the left (back towards the viaduct). Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission. The Monsal Trail stretches for 8.5 miles and starts from Bakewell going via Chee Dale and ends up at Blackwell Mill. +44 1629 761 100. 3/28/2017. Ashford in the Water, Derbyshire DE45 1NL, UK. Its a traffic-free route that takes you along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles from Blackwell Mill, Chee Dale with the famous stepping stones, and eventually Bakewell. Visit ourhiking recommendations page, (footwear, clothes + kit). What is parking like at Monsal Head? It provides amazing views over Monsal Dale valley, the Monsal Viaduct, River Wye, and beyond! 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. We would like more people to use their bicycles for travel to and from work, for shopping and for leisure without using their cars. Monsal Head Walk Suitability for family: This walk is great for families with children of any age. This path goes through a tunnel under the main Monsal trail. START: Monsal Head car parkClick here for Google Map pointGrid reference: SK 1845 7155Post code: DE45 1NLwhat3words: ///suspends.jolt.elseRoute follows a clockwise direction. Thank you so much. Find parking charges, opening hours and a parking map of all Castlegate Lane car parks, street parking, pay and display, parking meters and private garages The valley is gone, and the Gods with it; and now, every fool inBuxtoncan be inBakewellin half an hour, and every fool in Bakewell at Buxton; which you think a lucrative process of exchange you Fools everywhere John Ruskin, 1871. Walk along the path, it splits shortly after but keep on the lower path, heading downhill, signposted Monsal Dale Weir. If the weather is fine, why not pick up some ice cream from their Monsal Head Ices truck which is just outside? 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. Lightweight transport vehicles (also known as 'e-scooters' are notpermitted on our trails network). *Peak District Walks participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliateprogrammes. The Monsal Head Hotel history started when the Midland Railway Line opened in 1863 and this hotel was a Railway Hotel. So, you may find the lighting is bad before it sets behind the hills. There is a section across a grassy field by the river. 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. The walk starts just opposite to Hobbs Cafe on the corner of the road that leads down into Monsal Dale. Thank you for engaging with us and helping us improve. 4. If its spectacular you like another little secret in the south Peak District is Luds church this short 3km walk is well worth while. There is a pay and display long stay car park located behind the pub with plenty of parking. And dont forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expedition compass. Ended up tagging on a 15k walk down monsall trail to the end and back! (See walk stage 2 instructions). How long does it take to walk? Note there is no footpath along this road so go carefully. Monsal Head is a historic viewpoint and lookout in the Peak District National Park which sees thousands of tourists visit each year. As you approach the Headstone Viaduct, you will spot people cycling along the top, this is the Monsal Trail. Everyone we saw regretted it. If you park in this layby there is a small path (on the other side of the wall) that leads back to Monsal Head. Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here). INRIX receives parking information, including pricing, from many sources. There are also annual and weekly parking permits available. Theres also an ice-cream van here (cards accepted), which is usually open weekends and school holidays. 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. Its a great way to get them engaged with the walk and gives them a sense of responsibility. Past High Dale, I eventually . Please keep the Peak District beautiful and respect everyone who uses the park. Thank you very much . If you are using the trail in the afternoon you are advised to take a torch or have bike lights in case you get caught out. Review of Park House Campsite. Jane Austen stayed in the Rutland Arms in Bakewell and she visited Chatsworth House nearby which inspired her to write Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice! There are two car parks that have been provided at the Monsal Head viewpoint and there are two parts to the viewpoint. Bookings; B6049. Leave Miller's Dale old station car park and head right along the multi-purpose Monsal Trail for Wye Dale. You will hear the water gushing over Monsal Weir before you see it. 2.50 2 hours. 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. In the summer you may come across cows in the fields to pass through, and can dip in the river below which is lovely. City Services City Directory Search searchform-top The car park machine was cash only, although it does mention another machine that takes card payments. Ask us any questions in the comments or via our social media. The start of the trail GPS coordinates 53.24064, -1.72500. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Ask us any questions in the comments or via our social media. Check prices here for theone month or yearly option with OS Online App. From the car park at Monsal Dale, walk through the gap in the stone wall, about halfway up the car park. By then youre very close to Chee Dale Stepping Stones which hug a limestone gorge and take you across the water! *Peak District Walks participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliateprogrammes. So, if you did want to visit with fewer crowds, I would recommend early morning or late evening after sunset. Monsal Dale weir. Both the short stay and long stay Monsal Head car parks are open 24 hours a day and parking charges apply all day. Merge onto Ashford Lane/B6465 and follow it for 1mi before turning left onto Ashford Lane. The Monsal Head Stable Bar is a popular pub at Monsal Head that has a cosy seating area indoors and a large pub garden too! 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. Walk Time: 5-6 hours Difficulty: Distance: 13.2 miles (23 km) Trig Points Bagged: Wardlow Hay Cop https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/parking. This Monsal Head walk is a classic Peak District walk and perfect if youre just looking for a casual Sunday afternoon stroll. 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. Four of the longer tunnels are lit during daylight hours, dawn to dusk, to make them safe to use. From here, youll find tearooms, pubs, an ice cream truck, and an information board about the viaduct too. Check prices here with Ordnance Surveyor Amazon. Proposals for reinstatement of a railway on the route of the trail, Abseiling from Bridge 75 on the Monsal Trail. Although the hill has been here since time immemorial, this valley became industrialised in the Victorian era due to the Midlands Railway that was opened in 1863. Youll see a walking sign pointing to either side of the steps and from here, there are some amazing angles for photos. More information on the Peak District, including transport options, where to stay, best Peak District pubs + other useful resources. Monsal Weir + viaduct 1.5-mile route. If the lights go off because of a power failure there is a two hour emergency back up in place. 1 2 hours. Weve just completed the short Monsal Head walk and your guide has been invaluable. Chapel Street Longnor Pride and Prejudice Filming Location The Real Lambton Inn! Check out the 7 YHAs in the Peak Districtand find the best walks direct from your accommodation. Children will need careful supervision along this section. Sort by: Distance Price Relevance. 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! From the car park follow the path signposted Monsal Viaduct, down a series of steps through trees. Pretty steep at the end, we chose the path on the left to start was a nice steady decline. Once across youll see a some buildings, walk past these then immediately after the building, turn right and head down the footpath alongside them. 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. An Overnight Parking District (OPD) is an area that has posted regulations limiting parking by vehicles without permits between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM in order to reduce the impact of criminal and public nuisance activities associated with non-resident vehicles parked late at night. The most iconic view of the dale is from Monsal Head viewpoint. There is also a 500m section along a small country road (no footpaths). They also serve up some scrumptious afternoon tea with homemade scones and light bites throughout the day. Most of the route was opened to the public . The Monsal Trail stretches for 8.5 miles and starts from Bakewell going via Chee Dale and ends up at Blackwell Mill. Contact us for a more in-depth presentation and a no-obligation quote. Quick and easy but steep walk. Stay safe & enjoy. If youre hiking in all weathers the Active OS maps are pretty good to have. Monsal Head Hotel has parking, toilets and you can get a refreshment here before or after the hike. Look out for Mandarin Ducks as they are often in this area. 2. Saying that, whichever place you decide to park, the area is quite small and the walking distances here are extremely short. It is now considered a famous beauty spot by many (sorry John, youve been outnumbered!). Follow the Monsal Head postcode DE45 1NJ or click the Google Pin here! Alternatively if you keep following the valley past the waterfall you can walk to Deep Dale. Be prepared you need to be able to do a little rock climbing to get into the cave itself. 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. If you are a competent wild swimmer, there is also a deep spot closer to the waterfall that is fun for a little dip. Great short walk, good places for dogs to paddle. And viaduct. This Monsal Head walk enables you to see the viaduct and valley from above, to cross the viaduct and see the Headstone bridge and then to walk underneath the viaduct. Your email address will not be published. If you had any issues, consider leaving your email for our customer service team. Very muddy and flooded but no problem with the right boots :), Nice stroll taking time to appreciate our world. Also, this is where youll head out on the Monsal Trail walk by heading down the steps to the path below. I want to inspire you & turn your wildest travel dreams into a reality through my travel guides! In winter it can get rather foggy so be sure to keep eyes on the route. 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. Straight across A6 and go west following River Wye to . The trail either leads left towards Ashford and Monsal Dale or right towards Upperdale and Monsal Viaduct! As a result of my CarPark experience, he and his top managers have created signage transparency for both consumers and his staff. 300 feet long and seventy feet high, constructed with rubble limestone and blue brick dressings, the five arches . Beautiful scenic walk, nice and steady steep at some points The Monsal trail waterfall is a real highlight on this walk. Ambassador Centres - Activities and Accommodation, FAQs - Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), FAQs - Wildlife Management and Wildlife Crime, 70 Years of the Peak District National Park, 56 day rule pop up camping and car parks, How to make a neighbourhood development order, Thornbridge Hall Enforcement Notice - Public Inquiry, Authority and Partnership work on Climate Change, Upper Derwent Valley Woodlands Regeneration Management Plan, How to achieve the Environmental Quality Mark. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Nearby you can also explore the Thornbridge outdoor centre, Cressbrook dale and Peters stone. The Monsal Head viewpoint came about with the introduction of the Midlands Railway in 1863 which connected London with Manchester. Open from Jan to Dec. Council car park .. 1 from 6 til 8 . Parking, Online The Hobbs Caf tearoom is also a building that has a history since the Victorian era where it used to provide refreshments for the Midlands Railway workers. If you enjoyed one of our walks, you can show your support by buying me a coffee. While we make efforts to validate and update the pricing information, pricing and rates change frequently and so the information may not be the most current. The Monsal Head viewpoint and the car park are open 24 hours a day along with the Monsal Trail. Monsal Dale from Monsal Head Car Park Difficulty easy. After youve soaked up the views, go through the small gate via the outdoor seating area and youll come out by the Monsal Head pub (great for after your walk). The viaduct is the third most visited attraction in the Peak District today but when it was first built it was called a monstrosity if you can believe it! This is the shortest of all the monsall trails I know of but still includes the best parts of the tunnel For over two decades we have prioritized guests' safety and security with top customer service. 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. When you reach the viaduct you can actually explore the dramatic headstone tunnel. The Hobbs Cafe Monsal Head opening times is from 11am 4pm on Thursday to Sunday. 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! We enjoyed a return walk from Millers Dale Car Park to Monsal Head. So thank you for sharing. 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. To reach the Monsal Head car park from Buxton, head southeast on the A6 for 14.6 km and turn left onto Buxton Road. 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. At the beginning and end of the walk there are some steep sections of trail that are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. You might like these circular walks. Click here for the full list of Peak District Kids printable downloads. WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Amazing views of Headstone Viaduct across Monsal Dale, an impressive weir, and you walk right underneath the viaduct too. Read more here. 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. Terrain and Accessibility: The Monsal Head walk mostly follows smooth paths and roads. It can get quite muddy and slippy along here, so take care as you make your way downhill. 14667703, info@peakdistrictkids.co.uk | work with us. Really enjoyed your walk from Monsal Head to the viaduct. Nice short walk with stunning views such as the waterfall. The walk then takes you past a the beautiful Monsal trail waterfall on the river Wye and back up along a woodland trail. Getting there: There are no public transport routes to Monsal Head. website by w brand studio, newport beach, Valet South Park Group, Los Angeles, TOM MEREDITH We have also compiled a list of TRIED and TESTED toddler friendly walks in the Peak District. Monsal Head - Short Stay 19 spaces. 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! We've taken the liberty of including a few weirs on this list of Peak District waterfall walks. Follow this path for 380 metres. Enjoy the waterfall. After reading some of the negative reviews we weren't expecting much. Or get in touch and I will help as best I can :). Its not until you stand right underneath it that you can appreciate its sheer size. Be careful with your footing as there are tree roots and stumps that stick up along the footpath and there is a steep drop to the right. Take a moment to appreciate the fantastic view. 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. There are plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the views. But a really nice place. Surprising experience. Talk to Us CarPark, Inc. 6541 Hollywood Blvd #203, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323) 462-6060 park@carpark.com . . So, youll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Monsal Dale with very little effort! Many people will be travelling from the likes of Bakewell but you can also follow the roads from Tideswell and Millers Dale by the River Wye. Well, beyond the obvious draw of amazing views there are quite a few amenities around here! This walk begins from Monsal Head where you can enjoy the views down to the valley including the impressive viaduct. This short and circular Monsal Head walk takes you past all these highlights! Or visit the Peak District Kids shop. Starting from the main view point by the Monsal Head Hotel, follow the footpath down into the dale to Monsal Weir, then across the other side of the River Wye to walk along its banks and to walk right underneath the Headstone 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm a UK-based solo female travel blogger. AND dont miss these UNIQUE places to stay in the Peak District. On the other side of the road is a small short-stay car park. The map required for this walk is theOrdnance Survey OL24 Peak District (White Peak Area). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Have you got the bottle to help create a plastic free Peak District? Its owned by the same company that runs the Stable Bar nearby and they have seven boutique rooms on offer for guests. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. Lovely views. I think Autumn would be an incredible time to see this valley in all different shades of ambers and reds!