Above: The path through Deep Dale was closed in 2017 to allow for the clearance of Topley Pike Quarry and the creation of a nature reserve. It was due to reopen in 2025 but planning issues have meant this is unlikely to happen.
Trail news
News and updates about many of the issues affecting the most popular trail in Britain’s most popular national park; from the delayed rewilding of Topley Pike Quarry to the reinstatement of the railway line along the entire length of the Monsal Trail.
Reinstating the railway
The last train ran along what today is the Monsal Trail in 1969. But calls for the reinstatement of the line to provide a public transport link between Buxton and Bakewell are gaining support.
Monsal Trail by LVR
A small electric train connecting the Monsal Trail with Buxton would greatly benefit this famous Georgian spa town, but the project seems to have come to a grinding halt because of a lack of funding.
Deep Dale rewilding
Topley Pike Quarry lies close to the Buxton end of the Monsal Trail. Plans to return it to a nature reserve have been put on hold because of planning problems. Which is a great shame.