The Monsal Trail

The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free route for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders, and wheelchair users through spectacular limestone dales, offering incredible views from the iconic Monsal Viaduct and up to Monsal Head, Water cum Jolly Dale, Cheedale, and Cressbrook. 

The trail is 8.5 miles long, stretching between Blackwell near Buxton and Coombs Road in Bakewell, with numerous access points connecting to additional footpaths and bridleways. It follows the former Manchester to London Midland Railway line, which closed in the late 1960s. 

Along the way, there are wonderful places to explore, including Monsal Dale, Water cum Jolly Dale, Millers Dale, and Cheedale with it's stepping stones! Cyclists, walkers, families with young children and pushchairs, and wheelchair users will love the Monsal Trail for its easy access and flat surfaces through the White Peak hills and dales.