Cycling around Bakewell
The Monsal Trail is a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District's most spectacular limestone dales.
The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell.
Most of the route was opened to the public in 1981 but four former railway tunnels had to remain closed due to safety reasons, with public footpaths taking people around them. From 25 May 2011 the four railway tunnels - Headstone Tunnel, Cressbrook Tunnel, Litton Tunnel, Chee Tor Tunnel – will also open for trail users. Each tunnel is about 400 metres long and will be lit during normal daylight hours.
Two shorter tunnels - Chee Tor No.2 and Rusher Cutting – already formed part of the Monsal Trail. The public can now experience the full length of the former railway route at their own pace and see breathtaking views at places like Water-cum-Jolly Dale that have remained hidden since the railway closed in 1968.
The Monsal Trail tunnels offer one of the most spectacular leisure routes in Britain for cycling, walking and horse riding.
It is the first time the public have been able to go through the tunnels since the former Midland Railway Line closed in 1968.
Following work by the Peak District National Park Authority – using £2.25 million funding from the Department of Transport – the tunnels have been repaired, resurfaced and lit to form an extension to the existing Monsal Trail.
Interpretation explaining the former history of the route has also been installed.
Four of the longer tunnels are lit during daylight hours, dawn to dusk, to make them safe to use. They are operated by a light sensor, so in winter when the hours of daylight are less, the lights in the tunnels will switch off earlier in the day - around 4.30pm. If you are using the trail in the afternoon you are advised to take a torch or have bike lights in case you get caught out. If the lights go off because of a power failure there is a two hour emergency back up in place.
Courtesy of the Peak District National Park
Cycle Routes
Explore the spectacular countryside of the Peak District by bicycle, on bridleways, quiet lanes and traffic-free trails.
The Bakewell cycle routes are aimed at leisure cyclists who are looking for short to medium circular routes. The routes use quiet roads, traffic-free trails and sections of the National Cycle Network and link cycle hire, places of interest and opportunities for refreshments.
Route 1 - The Chatsworth loop
Route 2 - The Monsal Trail
Route 3 - The Limestone loop
Route 4 - Hassop to Monsal Head
Route 5 - Wheston and Tideswell loop
Cycle Routes - Easy going: traffic-free routes for bikes, buggies and wheelchairs.
These easy going routes are gentle and mainly traffic-free and are perfect for families and leisure cyclists. Enjoy our fantastic cycle trails at Monsal, Tissington, High Peak, Thornhill and Manifold and discover some of the Peak District's most picturesque scenery.
Cycle Routes - Explorer: multi-terrain circular rides for those wanting to explore the real Peak District.
The explorer routes are circular day or half day cycling leisure rides on quiet lanes with sections of traffic-free trails, enjoy superb views, picturesque villages, friendly pubs and cafes.
Complete with Ordnance Survey maps and helpful advice, these carefully researched routes offer the very best of the Peak District on two wheels. The Peak District is one of the best places in the country for mountain biking, why not try one of our explorer routes if you are new to mountain biking.
Cycle Routes - Extended: multi-day routes designed for the cycle tourist who wants more of a challenge.
We showcase epic long distance bike rides for the experienced riders which pass through and around the Peak District, including the Pennine Cycleway, Pennine Bridleway and the Tour de Peak District. If you’re looking for a multi-day challenge and want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination and maybe share a few words with those who are touring as well as the people who live and work along them, then these are the routes for you.
Useful Links
Monsal Trail Cycle & eBike Hire
Based at Hassop Station on the Monsal Trail, a wide range of adult and kids cycles, along with eBikes, tandems and trailers can be hired.
Peak Distict Cycling Group
The Peak District is perfect for cycling, with everything from challenging off-road mountain biking routes, to gentle country lanes and traffic free trails. Share your knowledge, news, offers and experiences.
Linking the Peak District's disused railway lines to the railway towns of Matlock and Buxton.
Peak Cycle Links
Making the world a better place, one long-distance cycle route at a time.
There purpose is to create links between the towns and the trails managed and maintained by the Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire County Council, with a vision to create a 60 mile circular route, termed the ‘White Peak Loop’ between Buxton and Matlock rail stations. Keep up with the latest developments by visiting there web site.
Peakland Cycles
- cycle service and repair
- cycles sales
- cycling accessories
The Old Smithy, Milford, Bakewell. DE45 1DX.
01433 639853