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Headstone Viaduct – Monsal Trail loop from Bakewell CP

Headstone Viaduct – Monsal Trail loop from Bakewell CP

Easy

riders

Headstone Viaduct – Monsal Trail loop from Bakewell CP

00:40

11.4km

150m

Gravel riding

Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: March 27, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 66 m for 3 m

After 11.3 km for 3 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.16 km

Monsal Trail

Highlight • Trail

The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free route that runs for 8.5 miles (13.7 km) between Blackwell Mill and Bakewell. The compacted gravel trail winds through picturesque limestone dales and long tunnels. A particular highlight is the Headstone Tunnel leading to Headstone Viaduct, where breathtaking views await.

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 and transformed into a recreational route.

Tip by

3.07 km

Headstone Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

One of the many tunnels that have been reopened for walkers and cyclists on the Monsal Trail. Runs under the beauty spot of Monsal Head (cafe, pub and viewpoint on top of the hill).

Tip by

3.74 km

View of Monsal Dale

Highlight • Viewpoint

Amazing views down monsal bridge head check out the photos views are Amazing

Tip by

3.82 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 Wye. Built in 1863 by the Midland Railway, many believed the structure blighted the view upon its completion. These days, however, it is iconic and has Grade II-listed status. The viaduct now carries the Monsal Trail, a traffic-free route for hikers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.

Tip by

4.49 km

Monsal Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Tip by

5.06 km

View of Cressbrook Mill and Tunnel Entrance

Highlight • Structure

Great views of Cressbrook Mill from the Monsal Trail and one of the many tunnels reopened for cycling on the Trail. Tunnels are all lit although you may want to take lights to avoid people crashing into you. Lovely scenery.
Mill is now private apartments.

Tip by

5.65 km