Monsal Dale Walk

The Monsal Dale Walk is a fun outdoor adventure that the entire family can enjoy; however, there are a few things to consider before setting out on your walk. Make sure to arrive early, as parking in Monsal Head can be limited and there are a number of visitors that come to the area to view the viaduct. Additionally, make sure to wear decent walking footwear, as there are some steep sections of trail along the forested parts of the walk.

As mentioned, this walking route is perfect for a fun day of family exploration in the picturesque Derbyshire countryside. From lush, open tracts of farmland to dense atmospheric forests, this trail will allow you to experience the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, as well as the charming villages that can be found throughout the area.

Setting out from the trailhead in Monsal Head, make your way east along Butts Road for 0.4mi to pass by the beautiful stone Congregational Chapel on your left and enter into the quaint village of Little Longstone. After passing by the Packhorse Inn on your left and The Hollow Dining Rooms on your right, you will spot a stile on the right side of the road. Cross over this and pick up the trail on the other side to begin making your way through a scenic stretch of farmland.

Continue through the picturesque Derbyshire countryside for 0.4mi, passing through one gate and crossing over a stile to come to a junction in the trail. Follow this to the right to continue along the Monsal Trail and head back toward the village. Make your way straight along the tree-lined track for 0.6mi, crossing over Ashford Lane to arrive back at the car park. Continue past it and make your way through the trees to eventually arrive at the Monsal Dale Headstone Viaduct, an old railway crossing that spans the River Wye.

Make your way over the historic arched structure and continue along the trail for 200ft to turn left onto Brushfield Lane. Follow the wide, well-groomed track to the west for 0.9mi, passing through any gates and keeping the downhill slope of the forested river valley on your left side. Here, you will find a trail on your left. Follow this, as it turns to the south and eventually meets up with a gate in front of the Brushfield Hough Farm in 0.2mi. Pass through the gate and make your way along the track between the buildings, heading left to pass through a series of gates to meet up with the lane.

Follow the lane for 0.1mi, as it leads you over a stile and into the thick cover of the forest. Continue along the trail as it descends the steep hill towards the edge of the River Wye. One you have reached the junction at the bottom of the valley, follow it to the left for 0.1mi to meet up with the flowing water of the river. From here, continue along the western bank of the river for 0.7mi, where you will meet up with a fork in the trail. Keep left here and follow the path east on a route that will take you back to the viaduct.

After arriving back at the scenic bridge crossing, make your way back over the River Wye toward the village of Monsal Head to wrap up your journey along the Monsal Dale Walk. Before heading home, make sure to stop by The Stables pub or Hobb’s Cafe for some post-walk drinks and/or food.

Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park

Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.