BPW25: Queens of the Bakewell Tart (Sat 10:30)

This event is part of the OutdoorLads 2025 *BIG Peaky Weekender* and participation is intended for those attending the weekend event.

Don't worry if the event is full. Pop yourself on the waitlist and you'll get a place if someone drops out - People often change plans nearer the time and there's a high chance you'll get a place on the event.

Join us for a delightfully leisurely nine-mile wander through some of the Peak District’s most seductive scenery. We’ll be setting off bright and breezy from the hostel, slipping down into the charming village of Ashford in the Water—don’t worry, you’ll stay dry. From there, we’ll nip across the A6 and begin a gentle climb up the inviting curves of Kirk Dale. The effort is well worth it: you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Monsal Dale and the lush valley below. A little uphill never hurt anyone, right?

We’ll flirt with the hillside and saunter through rolling farmland, slowly descending into Bakewell just in time for lunch. You’ll have an hour to indulge yourself, whether you fancy unwrapping your own goodies for a riverside picnic or treating yourself to something hot and satisfying from one of the town’s many cafés or restaurants. Bakewell’s famous tarts and puddings are optional, but highly recommended—some things are just too good to resist.

After lunch, we’ll ease ourselves back into action with a scenic stretch heading toward the Monsal Trail, skimming near the spot where the morning’s parkrun kicked off. Don’t worry—no sprinting required, just a steady pace and a cheeky smile.

From there, we’ll pass through the picture-perfect villages of Great Longstone and Little Longstone, before rejoining the Monsal Trail at the iconic Monsal Head. We’ll finish strong, taking the final leg back to Thornbridge through the evocative Headstone Tunnel. It's long, dark, and exciting... need we say more?

The full route is around 9 miles: 4 miles before lunch and 5 after, with about 350 metres of gentle ascent spread throughout the day. So bring your boots, your sense of adventure, and maybe a spare tart—or two.

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete a Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend. 

Image Credits: Image 1 - Bakewell Tart © Isabelle Boucher and licenced for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence; Image 2 - Bakewell Bridge © Mike Fowkes and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence; Image 3 - Platform Wall, Former Bakewell Station and Image 4 - Footbridge, The Monsal Trail  © N Chadwick and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.