Wednesday 2nd July 2025
We had ridden our bikes along the Monsal Trail some years ago and remembered it being really enjoyable. As we had our bikes and we were in the area again on our way back home from Chatsworth, we decided to return.
The trail runs from Bakewell, west, through to the Wyedale Car Park, just beyond Blackwell Mill. In total, 8.5 miles following the path of the disused, Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midland Junction Railway line. We joined the trail about a mile from Bakewell, at Hassop Station where we could park Fufu for a few hours.
Although you steadily climb throughout the way, you don’t really notice as the railway engineers smoothed-out the steep hills for the trains. They also dug 6 tunnels and built many viaducts. Anyway, the ride back was much less effort.
There are also some interesting rock formations along the way. Below is an image of “pillow lava” which is formed as lava erupts from a volcano under the sea.
The old station infrastructure is still present and in some cases repurposed as cafes and other business enterprises such as bike hire. Although not used, the northern Millers Dale Viaduct is currently being renovated by National Highways, who are responsible for maintaining historic rail infrastructure. It passes over both the river and the road at this point and was built in 1904 to increase capacity at the station.
We stopped for a brew (and a piece of yummy Bakewell tart) at “The Refreshment Room”, Millers Dale Station, where we were also able to see inside the old goods shed which has been converted into an exhibition space. This was where goods arriving by train were transferred to local transport.
Millers Dale Station was once the largest station on the Midland Line where passengers were able to make connections with trains running between London and Manchester.
The trail passes through some beautiful countryside and more than once, we left on foot to explore further.
The trail tells a story of 18th century industrial heritage throughout its length. We wandered around a quarry (now a nature reserve), which was once used to source limestone to make quicklime in the nearby kilns:
We also climbed up to the top of the kilns where the railway lines are still present for loading them.
Further along, we came across a viaduct which was being used for abseiling. Leaving the bikes, we walked along the river here for a while to enjoy the beauty and tranquility:
It was not long before we reached the end of the trail, just after Blackwell Mill:
Turning back, we enjoyed the return journey just as much, especially as it was downhill and the wind appeared to be behind us.
That is all for now. TTFN and See-u-Later.
"See-u-Later" 