The Monsal Trail

Welcome to the Monsal Trail. The old Midland Railway line now carries walkers, cyclists and horse riders for 8½ miles through the limestone dales of the Peak District, from Blackwell Mill near Buxton to Bakewell. Along the way you cross Headstone Viaduct, walk through lit railway tunnels and look down on the River Wye far below.

Here you’ll find a collection of circular walks from the trail, with maps, printable guides and GPX files, and the stories of the stations, mills and people along the line.

Find a walk

Circular walks from short strolls to full-day hikes, each starting from the trail or crossing it along the way. Every walk has a free overview with photos; the full step-by-step guide and GPX file are available to buy from £1.50.

Choose a walk length below, or compare all the walks by length, climb and start point →

Explore the Goyt Valley

Just a few miles west of Buxton, the Goyt Valley winds through gritstone moorland and woods, past two reservoirs and the ruins of Errwood Hall – a contrast to the limestone dales of the White Peak. This companion website has a wide range of walks for every ability, with maps, history and practical information.

Stories from the trail

There’s more to the Monsal Trail than the walking. Here you’ll find the stories behind the mills, caves and stations along the line, along with news about the trail and its future.