In recent years the Monsal Trail has been made famous by Julia Bradbury and her Railway Walks. Today Steve and I got our bikes out and took the opportunity to go the distance and cycle the complete route – from Coombs Viaduct at Bakewell to Blackwell Mill, Wyedale, near Buxton - including all the tunnels which re-opened last week; a round trip of some 17 miles.
The project to open the tunnels began with Pedal Peak District in December 2009. The project is part of a bigger national picture led by the Government and The Peak District was chosen to pilot extending the Department of Transport’s Cycling Towns and Cities into the countryside.
The Peak District National Park Authority is managing the project in partnership with Cycling England to encourage people to use bicycles. Phase 1 of the project has just been completed with the re-opening of four tunnels - Headstone Tunnel, Litton Tunnel, Cressbrook Tunnel and one tunnel at Chee Tor – the second Chee Tor Tunnel and Rusher Cutting Tunnel were already open.
The result is that we now have a linear cycle route from Bakewell to Buxton. Further funding is being sought to achieve future phases to create a circular route linking up existing cycle trails along the former railway routes of the High Peak and Tissington Trails and a route from Bakewell to Matlock.
Bakewell Station, which was opened in 1862 with the buildings designed by Joseph Paxton. The station used to have ornate glass canopies. It closed in 1967.
The trail takes us along passed Hassop to Thornbridge Hall.
In 1896, George Marples, a Sheffield businessman and lawyer (and also given his name to Lord Marples - an excellent Thornbridge ale), extended Thornbridge Hall to nearly its present form, built lodges and cottages, landscaped the park and gardens, added his own private railway station, shown here.
In 1896, George Marples, a Sheffield businessman and lawyer (and also given his name to Lord Marples - an excellent Thornbridge ale), extended Thornbridge Hall to nearly its present form, built lodges and cottages, landscaped the park and gardens, added his own private railway station, shown here.
The first of the tunnels - this is the Headstone Tunnel which would bring us out at Monsal Head on the Headstone Viaduct.
Spectacular views from the viaduct
The tunnels then came along in fairly quick succession ...
... with some great views between them
Miller's Dale station. This was once described as "the largest station on the Midland Line".
Passengers from Buxton were able to change here and connect with the London-Manchester express trains. The station originally had 2 main platforms but 3 more were added in the early 20th century together with a second viaduct.
East Buxton Lime Kilns were opened in 1880 with the concrete buttresses added in the 1920s. They were used for producing quicklime for the chemical, steel and agricultural industries. The kilns closed in 1944.
Chee Dale which, along with Lathkill Dale, are my favourite dales in the Peak District.
Trail ends at Blackwell Cottages, Wyedale, near Buxton. The Tuck Shop brews an excellent mug of tea
We then retraced our steps back to Bakewell. A thoroughly enjoyable route - but it does get very busy at weekends and school holidays.
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