The perfect medicine
The Monsal Trail is perfect for families with young children, or for a gentle stroll or cycle ride. But as a walking route, it has to be said that it can be a bit dull and boring. The good news is that there are many fine walks that either start from the trail, or cross it at some point. And it’s these that I’m planning to feature on this website.
They will range between 2 – 15 miles, and pass through some gloriously picturesque dales, valleys and riverside paths. Some of them will involve steepish slopes, but this is the White Peak, as opposed to the bleak landscape of the Dark Peak. So even the longest walks shouldn’t present any problems if you’re relatively fit and healthy.
And if you’re not fit and healthy, these walks will provide the perfect medicine…
Select by length: 2 – 4 miles | 5 – 7 miles | 8 – 10 miles | 11 – 13 miles | 14 – 16 miles
View all maps | View all Relive videos
Ashford to Magpie Mine
Starting from the picture-postcard village of Ashford-in-the-Water, this 8-mile walk takes you beside the River Wye and through Deep Dale to the ruins of Magpie Mine – the scene of a triple murder.
Monsal Head to Litton Mill
A fairly easy 5-mile walk from Monsal Head along the Trail and across Headstone Viaduct, before dropping down to Litton Mill, returning along the picturesque River Wye past Cressbrook Mill.
Monsal Head to Monsal Dale
2 miles from Monsal Head: A wonderfully picturesque stroll from this popular viewpoint down to the River Wye and Monsal Dale. Perfect for a quick leg stretch and to clear away the cobwebs.
Bakewell to Lathkill Dale
9 miles from Bakewell Station: This walk passes Haddon Hall before heading towards Alport and on to the wonderfully picturesque Lathkill Dale before returning via Over Haddon.
Wye Dale to Chee Dale
3.3 miles from Wyedale carpark: Starting at the Buxton end of the Trail and including a short stretch along stepping stones beside the River Wye at Chee Dale which some may find a bit daunting.