1: The car park at Hassop Station is paid-for (although the far end is free for short-term cafe customers),  and can soon fill up on popular weekends. But the cafe-owners often open a nearby field when it starts to get over-crowded, and don’t charge. To start the walk, go past the cafe and turn right along the Monsal Trail.

2: An information board just before the bridge provides a brief history of the railway line, as well as photos. It was opened in 1862 to create a link between Manchester and Derby, and on to London (click for details).

3: After a short distance, go through a small gate on the left and head up the slope. (If you look behind at this point, you’ll see a house with a gate under the eaves, revealing its history as a toll-house.)  

4: Follow this attractive lane for some distance, over the rise and down the other side. Continue in the same direction as the track opens into wide fields, heading down the obvious path.

5: Go through a wide farm gate and follow the track as it winds down the slope through the trees.

6:  You may notice the air suddenly get cooler, further down the slope. This comes from the hidden entrance to a chert mine which was one of the last in Derbyshire (click for details). 

7: Turn left when you reach the lane. A blue plaque on the wall of the house on the corner commemorates Richard Arkwright Junior, the son of Richard Arwright who is said to have launched the Industrial Revolution with his cotton-spinning inventions. Continue along the lane until you can go through a small gate on the right, following the path across open meadows.

8: As the path reaches the River Wye, take the gate on the right to keep beside the water’s edge, heading towards Bakewell’s old stone bridge which soon comes into view. Exit the path through a small gate and turn right to cross the bridge.

9: The bridge dates back to the 14th century and wasn’t built for the amount of traffic it takes! Cross over to the left-hand side, and turn sharp left when you reach the other bank, following the river path around to the right. There are some well-placed benches along here which are perfect to rest awhile and enjoy the view.

10: You soon reach Bakewell’s ‘Love Lock Bridge’, adorned with some 10,000 inscribed padlocks. Turn right to explore this popular Peak District town, and maybe enjoy a slice of its famous pudding at one of the many cafes and pubs. Or cross the bridge to continue the walk.

11: Continue in the same direction over another metal bridge and follow the path around the right of the agricultural market, and then left along the lane to exit through a gate onto the road.

12: Turn left along Coombs Road and then immediately right, following a footpath sign beside metal gates and head up a track towards trees in the distance.

13: You eventually cross a bridge over the Monsal Trail. Go left through a gate on the other side, and turn right along the Trail. You soon reach the remains of Bakewell Station (click here for information and photos).

14: Continue along the Trail to reach Hassop Station. As well as a popular cafe, the building also houses a gift shop and cycle hire centre.