Monsal Head and Monsal Dale
Over the Headstone Viaduct on the Monsal Trail and back along the River Wye through Monsal Dale.
- Distance
- 4.3 km
- Ascent
- 110 m
- Time
- 1–1.5 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 231 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Monsal Head and Monsal Dale is an easy 4.3 km circular walk with 110 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at Monsal Head (grid reference SK 184 714).
The view from Monsal Head over the Headstone Viaduct and the curve of the River Wye is one of the Peak District's best known. The walk drops to the viaduct and follows the Monsal Trail, an old railway line, west through the dale towards Cressbrook.
It returns along the riverside path through Monsal Dale, past a weir and under the viaduct.
Route
-
1
The viaduct
Descend from Monsal Head to the Headstone Viaduct.
-
2
The Monsal Trail
Follow the old railway west towards Cressbrook.
-
3
Monsal Dale
Return along the River Wye and climb back to Monsal Head.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Monsal Head and Monsal Dale take?
- Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 4.3 km route, which has 110 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Monsal Head (grid reference SK 184 714). Pay car parks at Monsal Head.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Buses from Bakewell to Monsal Head. Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. The level, surfaced Monsal Trail and a riverside path, with a steep climb back up to Monsal Head.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: The Monsal Trail is shared with cyclists, and its tunnels are lit during the day only.
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