Monsal Trail and Monsal Dale Loop from Bakewell

This 12.3-mile loop starts on South Church Street in Bakewell and links the Monsal Trail, Monsal Dale, farm paths, Sheldon, Magpie Mine and Over Haddon before returning to town. Allow five to six hours; the route is graded hard. One older written figure gives 11.7 miles, but the mapped line measures 12.26, so plan for the longer distance. Choose it for a full day of changing scenery, not just a quick look at the viaduct.

From Bakewell climb to the former station, then walk west on the nearly level, surfaced railway trail. After about two miles, leave before a tunnel and cross fields to Little Longstone; village pavement leads to Monsal Head. The viewpoint looks down over Monsal Dale and Headstone Viaduct. Step back and frame the viaduct with the green valley beneath it. Limestone around the dale formed in a tropical sea more than 350 million years ago; the railway’s construction drew criticism from John Ruskin.

Descend steeply from Monsal Head to the viaduct, cross it, then follow the River Wye past a weir to the A6. Beyond the road, climb to a short stream crossing and stile, followed by the hardest ascent out of the dale. Expect steep, sometimes awkward footing. Rolling fields take you to Sheldon and Magpie Mine; mining ended in 1952, and the old buildings make a worthwhile pause. Short public-road stretches and more fields lead down to Over Haddon, then paths and the residential edge bring you back to Bakewell. Watch for the footpath turn after Over Haddon; it’s easy to walk past.

Use Bakewell town-centre parking, including the Market Place car park beside the visitor centre, then walk to the South Church Street start. This is not the station car park for the separate Monsal Trail. Dogs are allowed; keep them on a lead on the Monsal Trail and around livestock, and under effective control on public rights of way.