Above: There are some wonderful views from Longstone Edge looking south across the White Peak.
This walk of just under five miles starts along the Monsal Trail from the old Hassop Railway Station, which is now a popular cafe and bike-hire centre, before heading north through the village of Great Longstone up to Longstone Edge.
The climb up to the Edge is fairly gentle, with a steeper sction as you near the top along a narrow track which can get overgrown in summer months. But it’s worth the effort for the wonderful views, looking south over the picturesque landscape of the White Peak.
The route back is across a mix of field paths and farm tracks, with a short section along a minor road from the hamlet of Rowland, passing the high stone walls surrounding Hassop Hall before returning to the Monsal Trail.
Above: Click the map to open in a new window.
Above: Hassop Station pictured in its prime in around 1910. The waiting room (today’s cafe) is at far right. The Station Master’s house on the left is now a private house. (Click for more photos and information.)
Opened in 1863, the station was one of five along the route of today’s Monsal Trail (click for a brief history of the line). The last passengers alighted in 1942, and the complete line between Derby and Manchester eventually fell victim to Dr Beeching’s famous report, closing in 1963.
Refreshment opportunities
The cafe at Hassop Station serves a wide range of meals, snacks and drinks. The route also passes close to Great Longstone’s two pubs – The White Lion and The Crispin.
The carpark at Hassop is ‘pay & display’, but the cafe-owners often open a nearby field on busy days without making a charge.
The 218 bus service between Sheffield and Bakewell stops beside Hassop Station. The nearest train stations are Buxton, Bakewell and Grindleford.
Click below for full step-by-step instructions and photos.
A ‘Relive’ version of the walk. Click to play and use the expand option to view in full-screen. Click here for more Monsal Trail ‘Relives’.