Highlights of the Peak - Bakewell, Monsal Head and Trail
12 people attending
8 places left
This walk starts in the pretty market town of Bakewell in the heart of the Peak District and takes in some of the highlights of the National Park.
We head off from Bakewell to the picturesque village of Ashford on the Water before heading up towards Monsal Head, overlooking the Monsal Head viaduct and trail. We’ll stop here for lunch, taking in the glorious views down Upper Dale and Monsal Dale.
The Headstone Viaduct was built by the Midland Railway in 1863 over the River Wye and is 300 feet long. It had five 50-foot span arches;some 70 feet high at the centre. Whilst it is renowned for its beauty, when it was first built it was heavily criticised by some for destroying the beauty of the landscape.
Heading over to Little Longstone for a drink in the Packhorse Inn, we’ll venture over to Great Longstone before hitting the Monsal Trail. The Monsal Trail was opened in 1981 after the rail link between Manchester and Matlock was closed in 1968. It is now a very popular trail for cyclists, walkers and horse riders.
We’ll end our walk along the trail, heading back into Bakewell and a chance to eat the famous Bakewell Pudding.
What to bring
Waterproofs and hiking boots - wrap up warm depending on the weather.
Food & drink
Bring a pack lunch and water/drinks. We will be stopping off at the Packhorse Inn, Little Longstone for a drink.
There will be the opportunity for Bakewell Pudding at the end of the walk