Above: From the Monsal Trail down towards Ashford-in-the-Water.
At 533 yards, Headstone Tunnel is the longest of six on the trail. (© Photo David Dukesell)
Created in 1981 along an 8.5 mile section of an abandoned railway track between Bakewell and Buxton, the Monsal Trail is one of the Peak District’s most popular routes, attracting walkers and cyclists of all ages, as well as wheelchair users and horse riders.
It would be another 30 years – in 2011 – before the six tunnels along the route were finally reopened, meaning visitors no longer had to make detours around them, and increasing its popularity even further.
Early days
It’s very early days with this website (which is very much a personal project). I’m planning to describe the history of the route from its earliest days as part of a railway line between London and Manchester. And also cover some of the features found nearby the track, as well as the geology.
But the main content will be walking routes that either cross or start from the trail, varying in length from two to 14 miles. Click here to view all the walks published so far.