Choose a walk
It’s still very early days with this website. I’m hoping to include at least 24 circular walks by the end of 2024, ranging from just a couple of miles to up to around 15. I’d be very grateful for any suggestions for new walks. They just need to include the Monsal Trail at some point. Click here to get in touch – and please also comment on any of the walks you’ve followed from the site.
Wye Dale > Chee Dale
Distance: 3 miles | Start point: Wyedale carpark
A short walk along the picturesque River Wye, returning along the Trail, which includes a section along stepping stones which can be challenging if you’re with very young children or nervous dogs.
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Bakewell > Lathkill Dale
Distance: 9 miles | Start point: Bakewell Station carpark
Starting from Bakewell Station, this walk passes Haddon Hall before heading towards Alport and on to the wonderfully picturesque Lathkill Dale before returning via Over Haddon.
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Miller’s Dale > Monk’s Dale
Distance: 6 miles | Start point: Miller’s Dale carpark
Monk’s Dale is a wonderfully magical place but this part of the walk can be challenging in winter when the limestone gets wet and slippery. Perfect for spring and summer!
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Monsal Head > Monsal Dale
Distance: 2 miles | Start point: Monsal Head carpark
A wonderfully picturesque stroll from this popular viewpoint down to the River Wye and Monsal Dale. Perfect for a quick leg stretch and to clear away the cobwebs.
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Monsal Head > Litton Mill
Distance: 5 miles | Start point: Monsal Head carpark
A fairly easy 5-mile walk from Monsal Head and along the Trail to Litton Mill, and then along the River Wye to Cressbrook Mill. (Includes a short diversion to avoid temporary closure of footbridge.)
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Ashford > Magpie Mine
Distance: 8 miles | Start point: Monsal Head carpark
Starting from the picture-postcard village of Ashford-in-the-Water, this 8-mile walk takes you beside the River Wye and through Deep Dale to the ruins of Magpie Mine – the scene of a triple murder.
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Miller’s Dale > High Dale
Distance: 7 miles | Start point: Miller’s Dale Station
A fairly gentle walk from the carpark at Miller’s Dale Station across fields and farm tracks to Priestcliffe, and then through High Dale to the small hamlet of Brushfield, before dropping down to return along the Monsal Trail.
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Wyedale > Chelmorton
Distance: 8 miles | Start point: Wyedale carpark
A mix of picturesque riverside paths and open White Peak countryside on this 8-mile circular walk from Wyedale carpark through Chee Dale – with two sets of stepping stones – and on to Chelmorton.
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Wyedale > Buxton
Distance: 9 miles | Start point: Wyedale carpark
The biggest problem with the Monsal Trail is that it stops about three miles short of Buxton. But there is a walk that will take you through two attractive dales to reach the famous Georgian spa town.
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Miller’s Dale > 5 Wells Tomb
Distance: 6 miles | Start point: Miller’s Dale carpark
A time-travelling walk across the White Peak from a once-busy Victorian railway station to Britain’s highest Neolithic burial tomb where our ancient ancestors once buried their honoured dead.
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Hassop Station > Ashford-in-the-Water
Distance: 6 miles | Start point: Hassop Station
This very easy six-mile walk from Hassop Station crosses some wonderfully picturesque White Peak contryside to reach the equally scenic village of Ashford-in-the-Water, lying beside the River Wye.
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Monsal Head > Ashford-in-the-Water
Distance: 6 miles | Start point: Monsal Head
A very easy 4-mile circular walk from Monsal Head to Ashford with an option to enjoy the wonderful views from the Iron Age settlement at Fin Cop, perched high above Monsal Dale.
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Topley Pike > Wormhill
Distance: 6 miles | Start point: Topley Pike lay-by
A 5-mile stroll from Topley Pike lay-by, a few miles from Buxton beside the A6 to Bakewell, along tracks and fields to Blackwell and then north to Wormhill, returning along the Monsal Trail.
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Bakewell > Rowsley
Distance: 8 miles | Start point: Bakewell Bridge carpark
Eight miles through some glorious White Peak countryside, from Bakewell at the eastern end of the Monsal Trail to Rowsley, returning along a section of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way.
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Bakewell > Chatsworth
Distance: 7 miles | Start point: Bakewell Bridge carpark
A 7-mile walk from the Peak District’s most popular town to its most popular tourist attraction, across some wonderfully scenic paths, tracks and open fields, returning through the village of Edensor.
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Hassop Station > Bakewell
Distance: 4 miles | Start point: Hassop Station
A gentle 4-mile stroll from Hassop Station down to the popular town of Bakewell, famed for its puddings, returning along the Monsal Trail, with many opportunities for refreshments along the way.
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Ashford > Churchdale
Distance: 3 miles | Start point: Ashford-in-the-Water
An easy 3-mile walk from the picture-postcard village of Ashford-in-the-Water to the Monsal Trail, returning through picturesque Churchdale and recorded during the village’s well-dressing week.
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