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Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Monsal Trail loop from Cromford

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Monsal Trail loop from Cromford

Hard

riders

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Monsal Trail loop from Cromford

04:59

86.1km

1,030m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: March 22, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 27.6 km for 82 m

After 42.0 km for 95 m

After 48.6 km for 129 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

3.54 km

Ruins

20.0 km

Stoney Ley Wood

Forest

29.0 km

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge

Highlight • Cycleway

The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free trail for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. A former railway line, the trail runs for 8.5 miles (13.7 km) between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale, and Coombs Road in Bakewell. The compacted gravel trail – which is relatively easygoing and is perfect for all ages and abilities – winds through some of the Peak District's most picturesque limestone dales and heads through characterful tunnels.

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.

Tip by

29.5 km

Monsal Trail Gravel Path

Highlight • Trail

Just delightful GRVL along the Monsal Trail - with a few little stunt humps along the way!

Tip by

32.7 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

33.6 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

34.2 km

Viewpoint

35.0 km

Monsal Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Tip by

36.2 km

Litton Tunnel

Highlight • Trail

Watch out for people can get very dark

Tip by

63.5 km

Parsley Hay Visitor Centre and Bike Hire

Highlight • Cycleway

Great snack bar and bike hire centre. Makes for a good target to aim for when riding on the Tissington or High Peak Trails.

The snack bar doesn't have inside facilities so you'll have to use the picnic tables outside. These can be cold in winter as you're about 1,100 feet (335 m) up. There's some cover from the rain. and toilets facilities.

The bike hire centre offers various kinds of bikes including ones modified for disabled users and electric bikes.

Tip by

71.2 km

Chapel Plantation

Forest

81.8 km

Middleton Top Engine House and railway wagon

Highlight • Historical Site

Notorious for its steep gradient, Middleton Top is a super climb with majestic views at the top. Plus, there's bike hire and a small cafe here. It has also been part of the Eroica Britannia route for the past few years – imagine that gradient with barely functioning, pre-1979 gearing. At the top of the incline there's the Middleton Top Engine House, as the track used to be the High Peak steam railway.

Tip by

86.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

42.4 km

28.4 km

7.71 km

2.79 km

2.76 km

2.22 km

Surfaces

37.5 km

23.8 km

19.0 km

5.00 km

987 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (400 m)

Lowest point (80 m)

Weather

Friday 29 May

24°C

8°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Monsal Trail loop from Cromford

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge

Monsal Trail Gravel Path

Monsal Trail

Headstone Tunnel

Monsal Trail

Litton Tunnel

Parsley Hay Visitor Centre and Bike Hire

Middleton Top Engine House and railway wagon

Nearby routes

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