Both are very different things. What is there to see and do on the Monsal Trail? This walk is sometimes referred to as the Monsal Head waterfall walk, as the route leads you down to the weir (small waterfall) along the River Wye. website by w brand studio, newport beach, Valet The prices for parking: There is also a small short stay car park at the front of the pub overlooking Monsal Dale. Starting from the main view point by the Monsal Head Hotel, follow the footpath down into the dale to Monsal Weir, then across the other side of the River Wye to walk along its banks and to walk right underneath the Headstone Viaduct. Click here for the full list of Peak District Kids printable downloads. Alternatively Stanage Edge is a gorgeous spot for a family walk. Keep following this path by the river until you see a waterfall on your left. All our parking attendants, managers, supervisors and directors of operation are required to go through our extensive and proprietary Step Up to the Four Promises plan. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Car parks are shown on the Monsal Trail map. 3. Lovely trail on a sunny afternoon. There are two car parks at Monsal Head, the main one which has 150 spaces then a small short stay one with 19 spaces for up to 1 hour (the price is the same for up to an hour at both car parks). From Monsal Head car park, down to Monsal Weir on the River Wye then loop back under the viaduct back to the top. Regardless the Midlands Railway powered on until 1968 and the buildings here, like Hobbs Cafe Tearoom, served the railway workers until it closed. As its so easy to get to, you can expect tourists and coaches to stop here constantly throughout the day. Ask me any questions about the route in the comments below. Iconic Monsal Head is where the impressive Headstone Viaduct, which forms part of the Monsal Trail, straddles the verdant Monsal Dale and the River Wye meanders aimlessly through. Near Bamford Edge we also love Stanage Edge home to the REAL Robin Hoods cave. Follow the road down past the houses and you will see a small bridge crossing the river. Lovely evening walk when the crowds have gone, Loved this trail, really interesting, lots to see. After a short distance turn left and keep following the path down until you reach the viaduct. Youre 231 metres above sea level so you can see all over the valley with the River Wye below. You cant really take a bad photo of the Monsal Head viewpoint but I would definitely say that the best time to visit would be at sunrise or in the morning time. This is at no extra cost to you. We have a guide with what to do, who you need to call and also some useful kit that should be in your backpack. at the footpath signs with the ice cream booth to your left take the path to the right . Follow the path all the way up, signposted Monsal Head as you near the top and then youre back at Monsal Head, ready to enjoy a treat at the pub, cafe or ice-cream stand! The monsal trail goes through the tunnel. Where is the best place to stay for the Monsal head walk? toddler friendly walks in the Peak District, UNIQUE places to stay in the Peak District, Yorkshire Holidays for Families | 16 Getaway Ideas for 2023, 40 Things to do in Bali with kids ULTIMATE GUIDE 2023, Wiang Kum Kam Ancient City Chiang Mai 2023, 7 BEST areas to stay in Chiang mai 2023 LATEST GUIDE, The 5 best beaches in Phuket for family 2023 Thailand guide, Reopening Thailand 2022 FULL guide (latest update May 2022). PARKING: Pay and display car park at Monsal Head car park, next to the Monsal Head Hotel. All printable downloads are 1.50 each. Peak District Kids is a free online resource. Just before you reach Monsal Weir you will walk through a wooden gate. The most parking is in Bakewell where there are several pay and display car parks in the town and a small car park next to the Trail at. Click here for Google Map point on your phone. On the other side of the road is a small short-stay car park. You will soon see stunning views to your left over Monsal Dale. Postcode is: DE45 1NL. Please keep the Peak District beautiful and respect everyone who uses the park. Car park is Pay & Display unless your parked right infront of the cafe as a customer (ask staff for a car park ticket!). From the Monsal Head car park, head to the view point in between The Stables Bar and Longstone Bar (which is part of Monsal Head Hotel). Type - Short Stay Pay & Display car park (2hrs maximum stay - 8am-6pm) Capacity - 19 spaces - 1 blue badge space. Please keep the Peak District beautiful and respect everyone who uses the park. Find parking charges, opening hours, postcode and a parking map of Monsal Head - Short Stay Castlegate Lane as well as other car parks, street parking, pay and display, parking meters and private garages for rent in Derbyshire Dales To reach the Monsal Head car park from Buxton, head southeast on the A6 for 14.6 km and turn left onto Buxton Road. This is also one of the best places to capture photos of the Monsal Headstone Viaduct. needed chocks on the drivers side to level, The easy way to find motohome stopovers and campsites in Europe, Forestry and Land Scotland approved nightstop, Caravan & Motorhome Club certificated location, Camping and Caravanning Club certificated site, Read the details on our cookie policy page to see how we use cookies, Or, click the button below to confirm you are happy with this, Can't see the buttons? There is plenty of things to see on this exciting walking and cycling trail through the heritage railway line. Monsal Dale is located in the White Peak limestone area of the Peak District National Park. Tunnel through Reopened with several others in 2011, the tunnel provides a superb route chiselled along the cliffs of the Wye's gorge. Training. Copyright Third Eye Traveller 2023 | Disclosure & Privacy Policy, Monsal Head overnight parking charge 1. Take a moment to appreciate the fantastic view. Find out what maps you will need for your trip here. There are also public toilets located at the long stay car park at Monsal Head. Parking, Online The Monsal Head Hotel history started when the Midland Railway Line opened in 1863 and this hotel was a Railway Hotel. Nice short walk with stunning views such as the waterfall. Please note that swimming and paddling in the river here is not permitted and fencing has been erected to protect Monsal Weir. At the beginning and end of the walk there are some steep sections of trail that are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. . Proposals for reinstatement of a railway on the route of the trail, Abseiling from Bridge 75 on the Monsal Trail. A limited service also operates to Monsal Head. Alternatively, just a three minute drive down the road to Ashford-in-the-Water, is Thornbridge Gardens with a caf and outdoor play area where kids can paddle in the fountain and hook a rubber duck, plus the stunning gardens to explore. Monsal Head then became a popular attraction for tourists who would take coaches up here from Monsal Dale station to admire the views. Black Hill Guided Walk with an Introduction to Map Reading, Stanage Edge Guided Walk (+ Webinar) with an Introduction to OS Maps, Mam Tor + Cave Dale Guided Walk with an Introduction to Map Reading, River Dove From Alstonefield | 4-Mile Route, Magpie Mine Walk (+ Monsal Dale) From Ashford-in-the-Water | 8-Mile Route, click here to get them straight to your inbox, Top 10 Highest Peak District Hills + Mountains, Damflask Reservoir Easy Walk From Low Bradfield | 4-Mile Route, Reservoir Walk (Plus Emlin Ridge + Kirk Edge Trigs) | From Low Bradfield | 10-Mile Route, River Derwent Short Walk From Hathersage | 5-Mile Route, 9 Trig Walks For Trig Baggers (Walks with Multiple Trigs). Its popular as its easily accessible to everyone and its now one of the most photographed locations in all of the Peak District National Park. Although the hill has been here since time immemorial, this valley became industrialised in the Victorian era due to the Midlands Railway that was opened in 1863. And finally you walk beneath the viaduct, back across a footbridge over the River Wye and head up to Monsal Head. Required fields are marked *. Other routes include services operating from Chesterfield and Sheffield to Bakewell and also to Buxton via Tideswell and Millers Dale. Date of experience: April 2018. A Parking Management Company, born in Hollywood, CA, TOM MEREDITH Starting at Monsal Head long stay car park head out towards the roads past the public toilets turning left towards the short stay car park. Guided Walks with an introduction to map reading (see dates here). Many people will be travelling from the likes of Bakewell but you can also follow the roads from Tideswell and Millers Dale by the River Wye. This Monsal Head walk enables you to see the viaduct and valley from above, to cross the viaduct and see the Headstone bridge and then to walk underneath the viaduct. These stables are steeped in history and have been here for over 200 years, way before the railway was built when it used to be a coaching inn. So, what is there to do at Monsal Head viewpoint? Filter. During peak hours 8am 6pm Up to 1 hour 1.50. As a result of my CarPark experience, he and his top managers have created signage transparency for both consumers and his staff. Monsal Head car park. Option to extend walk Instead of right, turn left after youve crossed the bridge and walk alongside the river for about 1 km then returning the same route. . Stage 1 Monsal Head to Monsal Dale Weir, Stage 2 Monsal Dale Weir to Monsal Head. This is at no extra cost to you. Its also popular with walkers on the Monsal Trail. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. There is also a 500m section along a small country road (no footpaths). Check prices here with Ordnance Surveyor Amazon. Third Eye Traveller participates in various affiliate marketing programs. The path then continue across a second bridge, with another small gap to squeeze through! We've taken the liberty of including a few weirs on this list of Peak District waterfall walks. Make sure you have not got an add-blocker running, This content is only available to app subscribers, To view this content you need to be both a subscriber to the searchforsites app and logged in to the website, The record is still viewable for archive purposes however the location is no longer open or no longer accepts stopovers or camping, To perform this action you need to be registered and logged in to searchforsites, If you have already registered with searchforsites press "Login", New to searchforsites? South Park Group, Los Angeles, TOM MEREDITH Did you know that one of the best viewpoints and photographed locations in all of the Peak District is one that you can drive to? Look out for Mandarin Ducks as they are often in this area. So, its my kind of place. Terrain and Accessibility: The Monsal Head walk mostly follows smooth paths and roads. It's located in the White Peak area of the national park in the county of Derbyshire. Your Directions were easy to follow and spot on. John Ruskin who was one of Englands best cultural critics gave it a scathing review and condemned the railway; There was a rocky valley between Buxton and Bakewell, once upon a time, divine as the Vale of Tempe You Enterprised a Railroad through the valley you blasted its rocks away, heaped thousands of tons of shale into its lovely stream. The Monsal trail waterfall is a real highlight on this walk. Your email address will not be published. We have a guide with what to do, who you need to call and also some useful kit that should be in your backpack. If you park in this layby there is a small path (on the other side of the wall) that leads back to Monsal Head. The way soon crosses the first of a series of viaducts before plunging into Chee Tor Tunnel. Getting to the Monsal Dale Walk Trailhead. The walk then takes you past a the beautiful Monsal trail waterfall on the river Wye and back up along a woodland trail. You cant see the old railway tracks but you may be able to see people walking over the bridge where the train used run! Sort by: Distance Price Relevance. Thank you so much. (Less of a strenuous climb). Distance 5.5 km Duration 2:43 h Ascent 194 m Descent 196 m A walk along Monsal Dale from Monsal Head car park. They would then stay at the Railway Hotel or just visit to admire the views. Follow this path down to the right. This trail will then take you under the viaduct. Well, beyond the obvious draw of amazing views there are quite a few amenities around here! Monsal Head is a viewpoint that lies high above the Monsal Trail and the Monsal Viaduct. Have you got the bottle to help create a plastic free Peak District? Love the walks in the Peak District? Id say good for families but is not wheelchair or pram friendly. We had a brilliant time and will be back! The Monsal Trail stretches for 8.5 miles and starts from Bakewell going via Chee Dale and ends up at Blackwell Mill. There is also a layby for FREE roadside parking on Castlegate Lane (B6465) a few hundred meters north of Monsal Head. Excellent short trail for when you dont have time for any of the longer trails in this area. But a really nice place. Great great little route. Monsal Head - Long Stay 89 spaces. The Monsal Trail is in the centre of the Peak District National Park, starting just north of Bakewell, 10 miles north of Matlock and 8 miles west of Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Ah so lovely to hear Im glad you had a wonderful walk in the rain! (See walk stage 2 instructions). WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Amazing views of Headstone Viaduct across Monsal Dale, an impressive weir, and you walk right underneath the viaduct too. Theres also an ice-cream van here (cards accepted), which is usually open weekends and school holidays. 8. Join our Peak District walks Facebook page, follow us on Instagram andTwitter for inspiration. Some lovely views over the River Wye but for me the man made constructions stole the show. 2. Follow the Monsal Head postcode DE45 1NJ or click the Google Pin here! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no extra cost to you. This walk begins from Monsal Head where you can enjoy the views down to the valley including the impressive viaduct. Click the pins for more details. Heres youll have a wonderful viewpoint, before you even walk 10 metres! Peak District Walks is a FREE online resource. Continue walking down the trail for around 500m and dont turn off. So, you could take in the views at Monsal Head, then carry on down the hill towards the valley to see the spectacular views of the Monsal Dale below! Dont miss the beautiful village Ashford in the Water stunning on a summer evening. Children will need careful supervision along this section. Green Bridge Investments, SEAN HASHEM PayByPhone location number 806397. I stayed at this campsite for 1 night with a group of friends following a great day's walking around Monsal Head. The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell. The most parking is in Bakewell where there are several pay and display car parks in the town and a small car park next to the Trail at Bakewell Station. The campsite is well located on the B6465 (Ashford Lane) north west of Bakewell, Derbyshire almost on the edge of the spectacular Monsal Head, which is well worth a visit if only to look out over the beautiful Derbyshire landscape. Although this is a private road and not accessible for car, there is a public right of way for pedestrians along this road. Its located in the White Peak area of the national park in the county of Derbyshire. Here is a map with the locations of each car park. Saying that, whichever place you decide to park, the area is quite small and the walking distances here are extremely short. Open from Jan to Dec. Council car park .. 1 from 6 til 8 . Both the short stay and long stay Monsal Head car parks are open 24 hours a day and parking charges apply all day. Required fields are marked *. Stay safe this winter and read our Winter Walking Tips. Other things to see and do near Monsal Head. Interpretation explaining the former history of the route has also been installed. The River Wye that runs through it played an important role in the Industrial Revolution as the water was used to power the cotton mills in Cressbrook and Litton. Ice cream van ( closed when I was there at half term 2022) Toilets are clean and spacious and run on donations now The trail either leads left towards Ashford and Monsal Dale or right towards Upperdale and Monsal Viaduct! The sunsets behind this viewpoint and so the sun will be directly in your camera in the afternoon. Nearby you can also explore the Thornbridge outdoor centre, Cressbrook dale and Peters stone. Also, this is where youll head out on the Monsal Trail walk by heading down the steps to the path below. There are also pay and display car parks at: Coaches can be parked at Bakewell's Agricultural Business Centre near the town centre and at Monsal Head car park. The Monsal Dale Viaduct is a fine example of Victorian engineering. I loved the cherry Bakewell flavour! If the conditions are right you can also see low cloud in the valley. There are several steep sections. So, if you wanted to save some money, I would definitely say to park after 6 pm here! Pub: Packhorse Inn, Little Longstone (early doors) Maps: 1:25000 White Peak Route: Drop down to Monsal Dale and follow river to A6. The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and part of the Natura 2000 network across Europe! Cross over the bridge, onto the large grassy area. Are you enjoying the walks? The path now gradually begins to incline and youll get some more beautiful views of the viaduct on your right. Follow this path until you reach the bridge across the river. I want to inspire you & turn your wildest travel dreams into a reality through my travel guides! Satnav Quick Search ID: S24643S Buxton, Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom, DE45 1NL. Read more. If you walk through Headstone tunnel you can walk to Hassop and Bakewell along the Monsal trail. Monsal Head is a viewpoint that lies high above the Monsal Trail and the Monsal Viaduct. Find out about the best walks, bike rides, attractions, eateries and accommodation for families in and around the UK's oldest National Park. . Want to print off this walk guide rather than rely on your mobile? Then click here to download the PDF to print out at home. (A) 2 Turn right down the stone steps. After around 1km you will reach Monsal Head again. Ambassador Centres - Activities and Accommodation, FAQs - Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), FAQs - Wildlife Management and Wildlife Crime, 70 Years of the Peak District National Park, 56 day rule pop up camping and car parks, How to make a neighbourhood development order, Thornbridge Hall Enforcement Notice - Public Inquiry, Authority and Partnership work on Climate Change, Upper Derwent Valley Woodlands Regeneration Management Plan, How to achieve the Environmental Quality Mark. Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability for any injuries or accidents resulting from walking our routes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wherever you stand, youll get some fabulous panoramas over Monsal Dale. If you are a competent wild swimmer, there is also a deep spot closer to the waterfall that is fun for a little dip. The prices for parking: Up to 1 hour 1.50 Up to 2 hours 2.50 Up to 3 hours 3.80 Up to 4 hours 5.00 All day 6 hours The main draw for visiting here is without a doubt the postcard-worthy views you can get from all around this viewpoint. The public can now experience the full length of the former railway route at their own pace and see breathtaking views at places like Water-cum-Jolly Dale that have remained hidden since the railway closed in 1968. Its also quite close to Bakewell, Buxton, and a short drive from the popular Chatsworth House if you wanted to stop here after your visit. Thank you for engaging with us and helping us improve. From 25 May 2011 the four railway tunnels - Headstone Tunnel, Cressbrook Tunnel, Litton Tunnel, Chee Tor Tunnel will also open for trail users. Its also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading. The map required for this walk is theOrdnance Survey OL24 Peak District (White Peak Area). The most iconic view of the dale is from Monsal Head viewpoint. Thank you so much. This trail has a few different starting points, making it easier or longer. For app subscribers you can now download all the POI to import into your favourite sat nav device, You can then use this ID: S24643S to find the site quickly without having to enter any coordinates or address, App users can also use the following apps to navigate to this location with just one click, Third party apps must be installed and additional payment may be required, To enable GPS navigation, you need to have the relevant app installed on your device, Guide prices are indicative only and based on two people without electricity where electric is available as a separate charge, always check current pricing, Not all facilities listed may be available at all times, searchforsites accepts no responsibilty for the accuracy of the data shown, Views from the back/top end of the car park, parked up! Great little walk! How to get to Thors Cave in the Peak District, How to get to the incredible Bamford Edge, How to find Robin Hoods Cave in Stanage Edge, A complete guide to Peakshole Water in Castleton, How to visit Little Johns Grave in Hathersage, A Harry Potter guide for Hardwick Hall aka Malfoy Manor, How to visit & cross Dovedale Stepping Stones, Best things to do in Ashford in the Water. Car Parks Street. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids this would be a 1 hour walk, but with young kids, allow a good 1.5-2 hours.STILE: One squeeze stile. The Monsal Trail stretches for 8.5 miles and starts from Bakewell going via Chee Dale and ends up at Blackwell Mill. We have a route guide to get to the waterfall from Edale. Read more. Corporate Volunteering and Sponsorship for Businesses, Monsal Trail - Work to re-open the tunnels, Monsal Head a short but steep walk to the Trail, Tideswell Dale about 1 mile from the Trail. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. Now 2 hours. You can say thank you and buy me a coffee here. In winter it can get rather foggy so be sure to keep eyes on the route. There are no plans to extend existing car parks or build new ones. Quick and easy but steep walk. Lightweight transport vehicles (also known as 'e-scooters' are notpermitted on our trails network). The Stables Bar next to the Monsal Head Hotel is a characterful rustic pub for a drink and bite to eat after your walk. to destination. Pretty steep at the end, we chose the path on the left to start was a nice steady decline. Lots of seating outside and benches overlooking the gorgeous view of Monsal Head. From Monsal Head car park, down to Monsal Weir on the River Wye then loop back under the viaduct back to the top. Be careful with your footing as there are tree roots and stumps that stick up along the footpath and there is a steep drop to the right. From the viewpoint, follow the footpath to the left (signposted Ashford Monsal Dale), which leads downhill. It can get quite muddy and slippy along here, so take care as you make your way downhill. Standing at the top of the road that heads down to Cressbrook (which is worth driving through if you have the time!) If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Turn right and walk across the grass, past the weir and the onto a dirt path. Food and drink: There is a cafe and pub that serves food at Monsal Head. The aim is to encourage people to cut car use, reduce traffic congestion and use bicycles more. You can say thank you and buy me a coffee here. For an EPIC view point dont miss Bamford Edge. Lovely views. There are also annual and weekly parking permits available. Whether youre hoping for a swim or not, we still recommend this as a great picnic stop, because of the open flat green space and beautiful spots to admire the waterfall. . For all Ordnance Survey mapping on this website: Crown copyright 2023 OS 100066702, Jenny Lynn LtdRegistered in England and Wales:No. Check out the 7 YHAs in the Peak Districtand find the best walks direct from your accommodation. 6541 Hollywood Blvd #203, Los Angeles, CA 90028, copyright 2017 carpark inc. The route is closer to 1.5 miles, so a great short loop, however you do have the walk back uphill so be sure to add on extra time on the way back! Its owned by the same company that runs the Stable Bar nearby and they have seven boutique rooms on offer for guests. The Monsal Head viewpoint came about with the introduction of the Midlands Railway in 1863 which connected London with Manchester. Take the footpath on the right that leads through the woodland and down towards the River Wye. So, you may find the lighting is bad before it sets behind the hills. Find parking charges, opening hours, postcode and a parking map of Millers Dale B6049 as well as other car parks, street parking, pay and display, parking meters and private garages for rent in High Peak. Best time to visit: This area is very beautiful in the evening. Read more here. For over two decades we have prioritized guests' safety and security with top customer service. The path is narrow and gradually continue downhill, through another gate and then you reach the River Wye and Monsal Weir. Peak District National Park has 45 car parks, 18 of which have a Pay & Display system. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Nice walk , pathway down is very narrow so youll have to wait for people coming the opposite way to pass, the pooch loved the river once down in the valley. The views are stunning but take care on the walk up or down to the viaduct, as its a little rocky and steep in places. Its just on your right after the gate. How long does it take to walk? Continue along the footpath for another 100 metres and walk over the footbridge to cross over the River Wye.
