Headstone Viaduct – Headstone Viaduct, Monsal Dale loop from Ashford in the Water

Hiking trails & Routes

Headstone Viaduct – Headstone Viaduct, Monsal Dale loop from Ashford in the Water

Moderate

4.8

(145)

406

hikers

Headstone Viaduct – Headstone Viaduct, Monsal Dale loop from Ashford in the Water

03:44

13.0km

310m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 27, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Peak District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.30 km

View of Monsal Head and the Headstone Viaduct

Highlight • Viewpoint

Monsal Head is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Derbyshire – and for good reason! Overlooking the impressive Headstone Viaduct crossing the picturesque Monsal Dale, it truly is a …

Tip by

3.65 km

Headstone Viaduct

Highlight • Monument

Headstone Viaduct is a breathtaking structure that crosses Monsal Dale. The five-arch bridge, which is 70 feet (21 m) tall at its highest point, affords fine views over the River …

Tip by

4.14 km

Headstone Viaduct, Monsal Dale

Highlight • Viewpoint

Monsal Dale is a picturesque wooded gorge where natural beauty and industrial heritage combine magnificently. The River Wye meanders steadily along the dale and wildflower displays abound in spring and …

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4.27 km

Monsal Dale Weir

Highlight • River

Another delightful sight just down from the viaduct. While it may look like a waterfall, it's actually a weir. This is a great spot to have lunch and get a …

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5.15 km

New Plantation

Forest

6.25 km

Deep Dale Nature Reserve

Nature Reserve

6.59 km

Deep Dale Nature Reserve

Highlight (Segment) • Cave

Deep Dale is a nature reserve that’s full of character, packed with beauty and affords a delightful sense of solitude. As the grassland’s underlying rock is carboniferous limestone, the reserve …

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11.0 km

Curved Weir on the River Wye, Deep Dale Nature Reserve

Highlight • Viewpoint

Beautiful curved weir carrying the River Wye through the sensational Deep Dale Nature Reserve.

Tip by

11.4 km

Ashford Bobbin Mill

Highlight • Monument

Ashford Bobbin Mill is a historic building on the edge of Great Shacklow Wood by the River Wye. It was built in 1870 and was originally a bone mill which …

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12.8 km

Sheepwash Bridge, Ashford in the Water

Highlight • Monument

Ashford in the Water's Medieval Sheepwash Bridge is a wonderfully historic and beautiful structure. It was built on the site of the ford across the river.

In the 17th century, …

Tip by

13.0 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.1 km

2.11 km

653 m

123 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.96 km

3.17 km

1.91 km

1.62 km

1.20 km

114 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Tuesday 3 November

9°C

6°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Expect light wind and shifting conditions.

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

June 2, 2024,WTW Monsal Head, River Wye & Ashford in the Water

After the hottest May on record (yeah, right! 😅), finally a good weather day. What better way to spend a beautiful day than walking in the Derbyshire Dales?

March 4, 2024,Monsal Head Loop

Misty morning walk from Monsal Head. Never been here before so it was all new to us. Really enjoyable mornings walk and will return for some more exploring very soon.
👍🚶‍♂️😁