Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Bakewell Bridge loop from Matlock

Mountain biking trails

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Bakewell Bridge loop from Matlock

Easy

4.0

(3)

riders

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Bakewell Bridge loop from Matlock

01:59

28.0km

180m

Mountain biking

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 31, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 11.9 km for 82 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

9.85 km

Birchall Byway and Bridleway, Peak District

Highlight • Viewpoint

There’s a bench here, such a good spot to catch your breath, or a good sunset!

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11.1 km

Coombes Road Gravel Track

Highlight • Trail

Basically the way to get from Bakewell to Manvers wood to get to Chatsworth. starts at the back of the show ground. You can also access the genesis of the Monsal trail.

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11.5 km

Buck Pingle Plantation

Forest

12.0 km

Monsal Trail End – Bakewell via Coombs Road

Highlight • Rest Area

Turn around or drop down to Coombs Road and through the farm to Peak Village

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12.0 km

End of Monsal Trail (Bakewell via Coombs Road)

Highlight • Trail

Congratulations! You've just reached the end of the wonderful Monsal Trail. Or perhaps you're at the start? Either way, it's a great place to be.

A former railway line, the compacted gravel trail runs for 8.5 miles (13.7 km) between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, in Bakewell.

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13.3 km

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge

Highlight • Cycleway

The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free trail for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. A former railway line, the trail runs for 8.5 miles (13.7 km) between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale, and Coombs Road in Bakewell. The compacted gravel trail – which is relatively easygoing and is perfect for all ages and abilities – winds through some of the Peak District's most picturesque limestone dales and heads through characterful tunnels.

The trail follows a section of the former Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway, which was built in 1863 to link Manchester with London. The line was closed in 1968 and remained unused for 12 years before being taken over by the Peak District National Park.

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14.0 km

Bakewell Bridge

Highlight • Monument

Bakewell Bridge is a beautiful structure that crosses the River Wye. The Grade I-listed five-arched bridge was constructed in the 13th century. Close to the bridge is prime duck-feeding territory. The nearby meadows and parks are lovely places to relax.

In early July every year, as part of the town’s carnival celebrations, people flock to the bridge to watch contestants in the raft race; whereby people sail down the Wye in makeshift rafts. Invariably, the event involves much sinking and swimming.

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14.2 km

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Highlight • Cafe

The Bakewell Pudding – not to be confused with the Bakewell Tart, with a cherry on top – consists of a flaky pastry base with a layer of sieved jam and topped with a filling made of egg and almond paste. While the origins of the pudding are not clear, it’s believed to have been made by accident in 1860 by a lady called Mrs Greaves, who was the landlady of the White Horse Inn. The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop lays claim to the 'original' pudding, which it has created using a secret recipe since 1889.

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19.9 km

Peak Rail Cycle Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Traffic free and flat route from Matlock to Rowsley following the route of the River Derwent and the Peak Railway (steam trains on occasion).
Well surfaced although can be a little muddy in wet weather. One portion of the route near Whitworth Park follows the road (maybe quarter of a mile) but there is a pavement that can be used if no pedestrians.
Two or three roads to cross so watch out for any youngsters riding with you.
Rowsley has a car park (free). There is also a vegetarian cafe at Caudwell Mill at Rowsley but this will mean a short extra ride on the A6 or on the pavement (quarter of a mile?)
Recommended as a ride for families or for those not confident about riding on the road.

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