If the weather is fine, why not pick up some ice cream from their Monsal Head Ices truck which is just outside? Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro) in Wales was established in 1952. John Ruskin who was one of Englands best cultural critics gave it a scathing review and condemned the railway; There was a rocky valley between Buxton and Bakewell, once upon a time, divine as the Vale of Tempe You Enterprised a Railroad through the valley you blasted its rocks away, heaped thousands of tons of shale into its lovely stream. Thanks so much! Follow this path until you reach the bridge across the river. Personally I would start by the cafe and take a left down the very steep steps and make the loop round and back up the steady incline. The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell. Monsal Head car park. 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. 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. There are several steep sections. If you walk through Headstone tunnel you can walk to Hassop and Bakewell along the Monsal trail. Joseph G. Business Owner. If its spectacular you like another little secret in the south Peak District is Luds church this short 3km walk is well worth while. Cross the river here and then follow the trail round to the left (back towards the viaduct). 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. 300 feet long and seventy feet high, constructed with rubble limestone and blue brick dressings, the five arches . For specific fees and more information about car parks and parking permits, please visit https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/parking. Your email address will not be published. Monsal Head - Long Stay Castlegate Lane Derbyshire Dales DE45 1NJ +44 1629 761333 http://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/community-a-living/parking/car-park-charges - Advertisement - Prices Mon-Sun - All day 1 Hour 1.50 2 Hours 2.50 3 Hours 3.80 4 Hours 5.00 24 Hours 6.00 (ends at 08:00) Overnight 1.00 (In after 18:00 Out by 08:00) Opening Times Skip to main content. To reach the Monsal Head car park from Buxton, head southeast on the A6 for 14.6 km and turn left onto Buxton Road. Interpretation explaining the former history of the route has also been installed. All our parking attendants, managers, supervisors and directors of operation are required to go through our extensive and proprietary Step Up to the Four Promises plan. Check the weather for your walk location and hills. The aim is to encourage people to cut car use, reduce traffic congestion and use bicycles more. If you enjoyed one of our walks, you can show your support by buying me a coffee. We stayed at Park House Campsite in 2012 having read generally good reviews. If the conditions are right you can also see low cloud in the valley. Type - Short Stay Pay & Display car park (2hrs maximum stay - 8am-6pm) Capacity - 19 spaces - 1 blue badge space. There are plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the views. At the end of the farm building, once youre through the gate, take the footpath on the right. After 0.5 km, turn left onto Vicarage Lane and follow it for another 0.5 km. Monsal Dale weir. Both are very different things. It's located in the White Peak area of the national park in the county of Derbyshire. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. 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! You may also like to read:Cycle the Monsal Trail with kidsAshford-in-the-Water walk to Monsal Head (6.2km)Cressbrook Dale woodland walk (1.8km), Cave Dale walk, Castleton (inc. Peverill Castle): circular, 6km, Short Ox Stones walk, including trig point (circular, 1.7km): perfect for toddlers. Youll see a walking sign pointing to either side of the steps and from here, there are some amazing angles for photos. The views are stunning but take care on the walk up or down to the viaduct, as its a little rocky and steep in places. The Monsal Head Hotel history started when the Midland Railway Line opened in 1863 and this hotel was a Railway Hotel. From this viewpoint, you get breathtaking views of Monsal Dale, the Monsal Head Viaduct, and the River Wye below. 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. This well lit route allows cyclists and walkers to enjoy the tunnel section of the trail that links monsal dale to Bakewell. AND dont miss these UNIQUE places to stay in the Peak District. 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. This trail has a few different starting points, making it easier or longer. Continue walking down the trail for around 500m and dont turn off. Also, look out for the beautiful Mandarin Ducks along the River Wye as they are popular along this part of the river. It is illegal for motor vehicles and motorcycles to use the route. We have also provided exceptional event parking services for clients such as Twentieth Century Fox, the Oscars and Emmy Awards after parties. I did find that in summer there was lots of stinging nettles, weeds, and foliage which blocked some of the views. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. You can either choose to grab a drink and some snacks or a pub meal from their menu of dishes. You cant see the old railway tracks but you may be able to see people walking over the bridge where the train used run! This walk begins from Monsal Head where you can enjoy the views down to the valley including the impressive viaduct. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids this would be a 1 hour walk, but with young kids, allow a good 1.5-2 hours.STILE: One squeeze stile. Our parking management services include consulting to identify the most cost-effective options for achieving your goals, reducing risk while earning guaranteed monthly income from solid leasing agreements, revenue control, parking vendor selection, accounting and reporting, transportation logistics, event parking, or maintenance and concierge & wayfinder services. So thank you for sharing. So, what is there to do at Monsal Head viewpoint? Starting at Monsal Head long stay car park head out towards the roads past the public toilets turning left towards the short stay car park. Monsal Head - Long Stay 89 spaces. Now 2 hours. Bus services from Nottingham, Derby and Manchester operate along the A6, the nearest main road to the Monsal Trail, with stops at Bakewell town centre, Ashford in the Water, White Lodge, Taddington, Blackwell Turn and Wye Dale (limited service). If you had any issues, consider leaving your email for our customer service team. You will soon see stunning views to your left over Monsal Dale. What is parking like at Monsal Head? Satnav Quick Search ID: S24643S Buxton, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom, DE45 1NL. CarPark owner, Joseph G. reached out to me. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm a UK-based solo female travel blogger. As its so easy to get to, you can expect tourists and coaches to stop here constantly throughout the day. Please follow us and use the #peakdistrictkids hashtag so we can share with our wider community. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. 3. Left click to hear in your web browser, or right click and choose 'Save Link As' to save to your computer or MP3 player. The Monsal Trail is one of the most popular cycling and walking trails in the Peak District National Park and its easily accessible from this viewpoint. Your email address will not be published. The Stables Bar used to be used for horses that would carry tourists from the Monsal Dale station up to this viewpoint! Lovely walk even for our 4 year old. There is a large flat grass area on one side of the river that lends its self to relaxing. 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. It is the first time the public have been able to go through the tunnels since the former Midland Railway Line closed in 1968. Regardless of when you visit, youll be greeted with unobstructed views all around you! Monsal Head - Short Stay (806397) Address - Monsal Head, Little Longstone, DE45 1NL. Youre 231 metres above sea level so you can see all over the valley with the River Wye below. https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/parking. Other former railway lines now open to the public as traffic-free trails can be found at the High Peak Trail andTissington Trail, with bike hire centres also servicing these routes. Monsal Head Walk Suitability for family: This walk is great for families with children of any age. 4. Hard in places very busy. More information about our Privacy Policy. More information about our Privacy Policy. The most iconic view of the dale is from Monsal Head viewpoint. Please also take all litter home with you, dont bring BBQs and park your car in designated parking areas. Required fields are marked *. Have you got the bottle to help create a plastic free Peak District? Brilliant for dogs that like swimming! Monsal Head Chapel Street Longnor Pride and Prejudice Filming Location The Real Lambton Inn! From 25 May 2011 the four railway tunnels - Headstone Tunnel, Cressbrook Tunnel, Litton Tunnel, Chee Tor Tunnel will also open for trail users. 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. Note there is no footpath along this road so go carefully. This is also one of the best places to capture photos of the Monsal Headstone Viaduct. There are also annual and weekly parking permits available. The viewpoint is only 5 minutes drive from the cute village of Ashford in the Water along the B6465 country roads. Getting there: There are no public transport routes to Monsal Head. 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. Time for an ice-cream from the van or a pint in the Stable Bar. Heres youll have a wonderful viewpoint, before you even walk 10 metres! Lovely evening walk when the crowds have gone, Loved this trail, really interesting, lots to see. 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. There is a pay and display long stay car park located behind the pub with plenty of parking. Getting to the Monsal Dale Walk Trailhead. 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. Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram andTwitter for inspiration. Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here). But, in order to build the Monsal Dale station, the Midlands Railway needed to construct the Monsal Headstone Viaduct for the line. Option to extend walk Instead of right, turn left after youve crossed the bridge and walk alongside the river for about 1 km then returning the same route. During peak hours 8am 6pm Up to 1 hour 1.50. Your Directions were easy to follow and spot on. Ah thats wonderful, Im so glad you enjoyed the route and glad to hear youre planning to do more . Bit of climb coming back, but worth while. From cafs, pubs, a popular ice cream truck, and picnic spots. Merge onto Ashford Lane/B6465 and follow it for 1mi before turning left onto Ashford Lane. The monsal trail goes through the tunnel. 1. 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). 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. Once across youll see a some buildings, walk past these then immediately after the building, turn right and head down the footpath alongside them. Follow the road down past the houses and you will see a small bridge crossing the river. A Parking Management Company, born in Hollywood, CA, TOM MEREDITH The path now gradually begins to incline and youll get some more beautiful views of the viaduct on your right. Thors Cave Walk, Peak District The Easiest & Shortest Route (2023)! We have a longer trig walk coming soon to include Wardlow and High Rake trig points. You will hear the water gushing over Monsal Weir before you see it. Or get in touch and I will help as best I can :). Read more here. So, if you did want to visit with fewer crowds, I would recommend early morning or late evening after sunset. We would like more people to use their bicycles for travel to and from work, for shopping and for leisure without using their cars. YES! Third Eye Traveller participates in various affiliate marketing programs. Follow the road around to the left of the car park, to the Monsal Head viewpoint. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change. If you purchase through these, Peak District Walks earn from the qualifying links. 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. Pretty steep at the end, we chose the path on the left to start was a nice steady decline. 2. Wheelchair and mobility scooter users can access the trail through accessible ramps at Bakewell Station, Hassop Station, Great Longstone Station and Millers Dale Station. Excellent short trail for when you dont have time for any of the longer trails in this area. 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. Monsal Trail: Monsal head carpark - See 1,803 traveller reviews, 1,154 candid photos, and great deals for Bakewell, UK, at Tripadvisor. 8. 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. The Monsal Trail stretches for 8.5 miles and starts from Bakewell going via Chee Dale and ends up at Blackwell Mill. So, you may find the lighting is bad before it sets behind the hills. Start: Edale Car Park SK124853; ; pay and display Maps: - 1:25,000: Dark Peak W & E . There is also a layby for FREE roadside parking on Castlegate Lane (B6465) a few hundred meters north of Monsal Head. Top tips - Read our useful guides onhiking tips here. If youre after an epic family day out check out Chatsworth house with its awesome play park, farm and gardens. The Monsal trail waterfall is a real highlight on this walk. The path is narrow and gradually continue downhill, through another gate and then you reach the River Wye and Monsal Weir. We have a guide with what to do, who you need to call and also some useful kit that should be in your backpack. Theres also a little river-beach to play on just past the weir. Took about 40 minutes. Walk until you reach a wooden gate almost under the the viaduct and squeeze through the narrow stone gap on the left. Keep walking a little further and then cross the river at the bridge. The Stables Bar next to the Monsal Head Hotel is a characterful rustic pub for a drink and bite to eat after your walk. 2. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Thank you so much. So tranquil- even in the rain. 7.55. Great river spots for the dogs to have a swim and cool off & some wonderful views. Places . So, its my kind of place. There are some nice ways to extend the Monsal Head walk. At the beginning and end of the walk there are some steep sections of trail that are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Pub: Packhorse Inn, Little Longstone (early doors) Maps: 1:25000 White Peak Route: Drop down to Monsal Dale and follow river to A6. Standing at the top of the road that heads down to Cressbrook (which is worth driving through if you have the time!) 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! 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. Really enjoyed your walk from Monsal Head to the viaduct. There is plenty of things to see on this exciting walking and cycling trail through the heritage railway line. If weve helped you please help us keep producing quality content by SHARING The Backpacking Family with your friends. Turn right and walk across the grass, past the weir and the onto a dirt path. From the car park at Monsal Dale, walk through the gap in the stone wall, about halfway up the car park. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. We have also compiled a list of TRIED and TESTED toddler friendly walks in the Peak District. After you cross this Monsal viaduct keep following the monsal trail into Cressbrook dale, Millers dale and Chee dale. This is at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Monsal Head - Short Stay 19 spaces. We always recommend you wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and to take a paper map and compass on your walks. Beautiful scenery all round. The path then continue across a second bridge, with another small gap to squeeze through! All printable downloads are 1.50 each. 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! This post may contain affiliate links. Take ALL your rubbish home to dispose of and remember close gates (as you found them). Weve just completed the short Monsal Head walk and your guide has been invaluable. Lovely trail on a sunny afternoon. Today, its considered an attractive part of the view but back then it caused a scandal. 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. It's totally free and you get so much more by joining in! When you reach the viaduct you can actually explore the dramatic headstone tunnel. Find out what maps you will need for your trip here. 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). view from pitches, facilities etc Maximum length 100 characters, Buxton, Derbyshire, England, DE45 1NL, United Kingdom, Navigate to this location using Apple Maps. Its also popular with walkers on the Monsal Trail. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. Its located in the White Peak area of the national park in the county of Derbyshire. You might like these circular walks. Start: Monsal Head SK185715; Roadside Parking or Pay & Display. Or, if youre heading to Monsal Head by bus there is a Bakewell to Monsal Head bus service. The River Wye that runs through it played an important role in the Industrial Revolution as the water was used to power the cotton mills in Cressbrook and Litton. Once youve finished admiring the views from the top, step forward near the walking sign over the road. There are also annual and weekly parking permits available. Daytime only parking suitable for motorhomes. We enjoyed a return walk from Millers Dale Car Park to Monsal Head. Want more ideas for family walks?Best Family Walks in the Peak DistrictPram Friendly Peak District walksToddler walks in the Peak DistrictAlso, come and join our friendly Peak District Kids Facebook Group for any questions or to share photos of your walks. There is also Hobbs Cafe and an ice cream truck. Bookings; Monsal Head. 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. Its run by Hulleys of Baslow and they have buses that run back and forth every two hours. This is at no extra cost to you. For online maps, you can get via OS Online App or Viewranger App. Look out for Mandarin Ducks as they are often in this area. Four of the longer tunnels are lit during daylight hours, dawn to dusk, to make them safe to use. Great little walk! Black Hill Guided Walk with an Introduction to Map Reading, Stanage Edge Guided Walk (+ Webinar) with an Introduction to OS Maps, Mam Tor + Cave Dale Guided Walk with an Introduction to Map Reading, River Dove From Alstonefield | 4-Mile Route, Magpie Mine Walk (+ Monsal Dale) From Ashford-in-the-Water | 8-Mile Route, click here to get them straight to your inbox, Top 10 Highest Peak District Hills + Mountains, Damflask Reservoir Easy Walk From Low Bradfield | 4-Mile Route, Reservoir Walk (Plus Emlin Ridge + Kirk Edge Trigs) | From Low Bradfield | 10-Mile Route, River Derwent Short Walk From Hathersage | 5-Mile Route, 9 Trig Walks For Trig Baggers (Walks with Multiple Trigs). Be aware that there are some steep sections of path and steps. For app subscribers you can now download all the POI to import into your favourite sat nav device, You can then use this ID: S24643S to find the site quickly without having to enter any coordinates or address, App users can also use the following apps to navigate to this location with just one click, Third party apps must be installed and additional payment may be required, To enable GPS navigation, you need to have the relevant app installed on your device, Guide prices are indicative only and based on two people without electricity where electric is available as a separate charge, always check current pricing, Not all facilities listed may be available at all times, searchforsites accepts no responsibilty for the accuracy of the data shown, Views from the back/top end of the car park, parked up! Enjoy the waterfall. From the car park follow the path signposted Monsal Viaduct, down a series of steps through trees. Training. Best time to visit: This area is very beautiful in the evening. Want to print off this walk guide rather than rely on your mobile? Awesome short trail to see Monsal Head and the Weir. So, you can visit all times of the year whenever you like! This short Monsal Head walk follows the below map in a clockwise direction starting from the pay and display car park behind the Monsal Head Hotel. Car Parks Street Private. And dont forget your compass, I recommend the Silva Expedition compass. After 50 metres the path splits in two. then press "Register", Add a short description of the image e.g. Legacy Partners, 1600 Vine, Los Angeles. Some lovely views over the River Wye but for me the man made constructions stole the show. Nice short walk with stunning views such as the waterfall. You will see an old disused shelter on your left. at the footpath signs with the ice cream booth to your left take the path to the right . Interactive map of the Monsal Head Walk. Distance 5.5 km Duration 2:43 h Ascent 194 m Descent 196 m A walk along Monsal Dale from Monsal Head car park. We've taken the liberty of including a few weirs on this list of Peak District waterfall walks. The way soon crosses the first of a series of viaducts before plunging into Chee Tor Tunnel. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 52 min to complete. 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. Love the walks in the Peak District? Monsal Weir + viaduct 1.5-mile route. Its only 1 all night which is perfect if you wanted to visit for sunset photos or grab some dinner from the Stable Bar. 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! The National Park has a varied landscape of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, wooded estuaries and wild . 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 . If you park in this layby there is a small path (on the other side of the wall) that leads back to Monsal Head. Ask me any questions about the route in the comments below. The map required for this walk is theOrdnance Survey OL24 Peak District (White Peak Area). If youre hiking in all weathers the Active OS maps are pretty good to have. The parking charges are as follows. Great if you don't have much time. The STUNNING Monsal Head hotel is right at the start of this walk overlooking Monsal Dale and the viaduct. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Your email address will not be published. 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). Young children will enjoy the magic of the monsal valley and viaduct. 3.5 Stars. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.