The Monsal Trail

The Monsal Trail is an eight-mile-long hiking, cycling, and horse riding trail that runs through Monsal Dale in Derbyshire, England. This valley is considered one of the most beautiful in Peak District National Park.

The trail starts at Topley Pike Junction in Wyedale near Buxton, and runs about one mile from the town of Bakewell. The disused railway line that forms the basis of the trail was the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock, and Midlands Junction Railway.

After years of informal use, the Monsal Trail officially opened in 1981. It features the Headstone Tunnel, which emerges into Monsal Dale directly onto the very attractive Headstone Viaduct. 

At the southern end of the trail, the railway has been restored as a heritage railway line. Along the route are numerous places of interest for railway enthusiasts, but also several examples of local history. This includes a tunnel only constructed so that the railway could not be seen from Haddon Hall.

The railway route itself has an exciting story. It follows a difficult and expensive route, once said to be the most picturesque railway in England. However, The Duke of Devonshire, who owned the Chatsworth House estate, refused to allow the railway to pass through his land.

While the trail is very popular with hikers and cyclists, the view from the Monsal Head parking area is so popular that authorities limit parking to a maximum of one hour.