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Monsal head is genuinely one of the most stunning beauty spots in the Peak District. This Monsal Head walk enables you to see the viaduct and valley from above, to cross the viaduct and see the Headstone bridge and then to walk underneath the viaduct. The walk then takes you past a the beautiful Monsal trail waterfall on the river Wye and back up along a woodland trail. The scenery and route make this Monsal Head walk ideal for families.
Monsal Head walk map
Don’t miss out on the most AMAZING of all the Peak District walks for families.
Interactive map of the Monsal Head Walk. Click the pins for more details. This walk starts near the beautiful Monsal Head hotel and Stables bar…
Monsal Head walk fast facts
- Monsal Head Walk Suitability for family: This walk is great for families with children of any age. Young children will enjoy the magic of the monsal valley and viaduct. Be aware that there are some steep sections of path and steps. There is also a 500m section along a small country road (no footpaths). Children will need careful supervision along this section.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Route Type: Figure of 8 loop walk
- Distance: 3.5 km / 2 miles
- How long does it take to walk? 1 – 2 hours
- Highlights: This Monsal Head Walk route allows you to see the viaduct from above, cross it and then walk under it. It also includes a waterfall and two bridge crossings of the river.
- Best time to visit: This area is very beautiful in the evening. If the conditions are right you can also see low cloud in the valley.
- Start location: Park at Monsal Head. The walk starts just opposite to Hobb’s Cafe on the corner of the road that leads down into Monsal Dale. The start of the trail GPS coordinates 53.24064, -1.72500
- Terrain and Accessibility: The Monsal Head walk mostly follows smooth paths and roads. There is a section across a grassy field by the river. At the beginning and end of the walk there are some steep sections of trail that are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
- Getting there: There are no public transport routes to Monsal Head. You can access Monsal Head by car.
- Food and drink: There is a cafe and pub that serves food at Monsal Head.
What is parking like at Monsal Head?
There is a pay and display long stay car park located behind the pub with plenty of parking. There are also public toilets located at the long stay car park at Monsal Head. The prices for parking:
Up to 1 hour £1.50
Up to 2 hours £2.50
Up to 3 hours £3.80
Up to 4 hours £5.00
All day 6 hours
There is also a small short stay car park at the front of the pub overlooking Monsal Dale. During peak hours 8am – 6pm Up to 1 hour £1.50.
There is also a layby for FREE roadside parking on Castlegate Lane (B6465) a few hundred meters north of Monsal Head. If you park in this layby there is a small path (on the other side of the wall) that leads back to Monsal Head. Here is a map with the locations of each car park.
The Monsal Head walk route
The walk starts just opposite to Hobb’s Cafe on the corner of the road that leads down into Monsal Dale. Once you have found the start of the trail head down to the right. After a short distance turn left and keep following the path down until you reach the viaduct.
When you reach the viaduct you can actually explore the dramatic headstone tunnel. The monsal trail goes through the tunnel. This well lit route allows cyclists and walkers to enjoy the tunnel section of the trail that links monsal dale to Bakewell. When you have finished exploring the tunnel walk across the viaduct taking in the stunning views. Continue walking down the trail for around 500m and don’t turn off.
You will see an old disused shelter on your left. Behind this shelter there is a gate that leads to another path. Follow this path down to the right. This path goes through a tunnel under the main Monsal trail. Follow this path until you reach the bridge across the river.
Cross the bridge and follow the path up to the small road. When you reach the small road turn right and walk down the road. Note there is no footpath along this road so go carefully. After around 500m on this road section you will see a small private road branching off to the right.
Although this is a private road and not accessible for car, there is a public right of way for pedestrians along this road. Follow the road down past the houses and you will see a small bridge crossing the river. Cross the river here and then follow the trail round to the left (back towards the viaduct).
This trail will then take you under the viaduct. After the viaduct keep going straight ahead across the fields keeping the river to your left. Keep following this path by the river until you see a waterfall on your left. Enjoy the waterfall.
Keep walking a little further and then cross the river at the bridge. Follow the path up to the left. The path leads up through the woodlands back to Monsal Head. There are several steep sections. Also be aware that there is a steep drop to the left of this pass. After around 1km you will reach Monsal Head again.
Ways to extend the Monsal Head walk
There are some nice ways to extend the Monsal Head walk. After you cross this Monsal viaduct keep following the monsal trail into Cressbrook dale, Miller’s dale and Chee dale. Alternatively if you keep following the valley past the waterfall you can walk to Deep Dale. If you walk through Headstone tunnel you can walk to Hassop and Bakewell along the Monsal trail.
Monsal Trail Waterfall
The Monsal trail waterfall is a real highlight on this walk. If you are planning a full day out with the family, a great idea could be to pack a picnic and stop in this area. There is a large flat grass area on one side of the river that lends it’s self to relaxing. The river also widens and slows down in this area, so in the right weather and conditions it is also great for a paddle.
If you are a competent wild swimmer, there is also a deep spot closer to the waterfall that is fun for a little dip. Rivers can of course be hideously dangerous, so please do be careful and of course don’t go in if it seems too deep or too fast; it can change a lot in different seasons. Whether you’re hoping for a swim or not, we still recommend this as a great picnic stop, because of the open flat green space and beautiful spots to admire the waterfall.
Other things to see and do near Monsal Head
Nearby you can also explore the Thornbridge outdoor centre, Cressbrook dale and Peter’s stone. Don’t miss the beautiful village – Ashford in the Water – stunning on a summer evening. Monsal Head is only a 15 minute drive from Bakewell – a beautiful Peak District town famous for its traditional dessert – the Bakewell pudding. If you’re after an epic family day out check out Chatsworth house with its awesome play park, farm and gardens.
For an EPIC view point don’t miss Bamford Edge. It has a protruding rock – the Peak District’s answer to the Troll’s Tongue – a perfect spot for a Peak District instagram pic. Bamford edge affords amazing views over Lady Bower reservoir. Near Bamford Edge we also love Stanage Edge – home to the REAL Robin Hood’s cave. Be prepared – you need to be able to do a little rock climbing to get into the cave itself. Alternatively Stanage Edge is a gorgeous spot for a family walk.
If it’s waterfalls that float your boat there is another amazing waterfall on Kinder Scout. We have a route guide to get to the waterfall from Edale. Be prepared this is a long, challenging and intrepid trek. If it’s spectacular you like – another little secret in the south Peak District is Lud’s church – this short 3km walk is well worth while.
We have also compiled a list of TRIED and TESTED toddler friendly walks in the Peak District.
Where is the best place to stay for the Monsal head walk?
The STUNNING Monsal Head hotel is right at the start of this walk overlooking Monsal Dale and the viaduct.
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