The Monsal trail is an 8.5 mile track traverses a route through the stunning Peak District limestone dales. Originally the track was part of the Midland Railway, which closed in 1968. The trail runs from Combs Road in Bakewell through to Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale.
The Monsal Trail opened to the public in 1981, it has now been further enhanced with the renovation and opening of four tunnels which lie along its path. At a cost of some £2.6 million the tunnels ensure that all those using the trail can now have an uninterrupted journey along its length. Along the route there is the opportunity to hire cycles and for those with less stamina there are even electric bikes on offer.
The Monsal Dale tunnels include Headstone, Cressbrook, Litton and Chee Tor; each measure approximately 400 meters and a lit during the day. The tunnels are a wonder to children and adults alike and offer a stark contrast to the glorious landscape beyond their openings.
The funding of the renovation work on the Monsal Trail, from the Department of Transport, has meant that places such as Water-cum-Jolly Dale have now become far more accessible. In addition there have been improvements to access at Longstone Station, Blackwell Mill and Coombs Road at Bakewell. For those with mobility problems there have been ramps installed at Bakewell station, Great Longstone Station, Millers Dale Station and Hassop Station.
There is a wealth of things to interest those completing the Monsal trail. This part of the Peak District has broad spectrum wildlife to observe and a fascinating geology in the limestone landscape. Added to this is the chance to experience at first hand the Industrial heritage which supported and shaped this part of the country.
Bakewell station acts as an excellent point to start the Monsal trail with parking and wheel chair access. It was built in 1862 by The Midland Railway Company and was closed with the rest of the line in 1968. However the buildings are still intact and used by private businesses. In its day the station included first class waiting rooms and provided extensive goods facilities. There were two platforms connected by a cast iron foot bridge which sadly no longer survives.
The first stop along the Monsal Trail route is Hassop a small hamlet about 3 miles out from Bakewell. The nearby Hassop Hall has a colourful history and is now a luxurious country hotel. Hassop Station offers a terrific stop of point where there is cycle hire, easy access to the trail and a café and book shop.
Monsal Trail Viaduct is probably the most famous and even infamous parts of the trail, bridging as it does the Upper Wye Valley. This listed structure stands as a proud statement to the engineering of the time and gives those crossing it a head turning view of the valley. For those with a desire to get the best view of the viaduct, it can be had from Monsal Head. Here the establishments such as the Monsal Head Hotel, provide excellent accommodation and meals, cafes and toilet facilities. Be aware though that the path down to the Monsal trail here is challenging; certainly not for the light hearted.
Along the valley is Cressbrook Mill, which is actually a complex of buildings first built by Richard Arkwright in 1779. It gave birth to a model village which gave accommodation to workers at the mill and remained part of the industrial site until the late 60’s when Cressbrook became a village in its own right. The Mill is now converted into residential property and stands as a fine example of the early industrial revolution architecture.
Further along the Monsal Trail route lies Litton Mill which was an ill fated venture from the outset. Any visitor will appreciate that access to the Mill must have been nearly impossible in 1782 when it was constructed. Taking advantage of the poor laws of 1602 the hapless owners Ellis Needham and Thomas Frith took on cheap young apprentices to staff the business; many of these children never made it to adulthood and many of their graves can be seen at Tideswell and Taddington. The business failed and eventually passed into the hands of the National Trust in 1934. It now provides quality private residential and holiday accommodation and a superb base to explore the Peak District from. There is no public parking at the Litton Mill although there is public access, so a walk from Millers Dale is a strong recommendation.
A substantial walk or quick ride along the Monsal trail is Millers Dale which boasts a number of Lime Kilns from the 19th and 20th centuries. To the untrained eye these ominous structures resemble a set from a sci-fi movie rather than a means to process lime for farmers in days gone by, the production of which ceased in 1944.
Millers Dale station, built in 1863 acted as an extension to the Midlands Railway link from Manchester through to The Peak District towns of Buxton and Matlock. Many of the original buildings are still in existence providing clues to the size of the stop when it was in full flight. Now it provides access to the trail, toilet facilities, parking and a chance to rest and get your breath back. Close by you can experience the site of the Millers Dale Viaduct, an impressive structure which leaves one in awe of the engineering feats achieved to navigate the valley.
After emerging from Chee Dale Tunnel the visitor nears the end of a wonderful journey. The Railway didn’t end at Blackwell Mill, the last stop on the Monsal Trail, but continued to Buxton and Manchester. Blackwell Mill is reputed to have been the site of an ancient corn mill, which might give reason for the name. It has also been claimed that a station often called Blackwell Halt represented the smallest railway station on British railways. It simply consisted of a basic shelter and two platforms, just long enough for a single carriage to allow passengers to alight.
The great news is that there are plans to gather funding to extend the Monsal trail all the way into Buxton. Not only does it provide a great recreational resource but the hope is that it offers a real alternative for local people to use a bike instead of driving to work.
The restoration of the Monsal trail ensures that there is still the possibility of reinstating the railway in the future. But this would be a major investment for the future, in the meanwhile the Monsal Trail provides all with a chance to enjoy a pathway our forefathers created.