The Monsal Trail has been a favourite walk of mine for years, Hubby has been taking us that way for years and we’ve done my walking list for years, and this trip we finally made it happen. We started at Monsal Head, taking in the iconic view over the viaduct before joining the old railway line for a simple, scenic walk all the way into Bakewell.
Because the Monsal Trail follows a former railway route, the gradient is gentle and the path is quite smooth, making it ideal for families. (Scooters might struggle on the terrain, but small bikes will be fine). We passed through long tunnels that felt like stepping back in time — the kind of moment the kids found exciting and a little eerie. These tunnels all have lighting, but it still feels like a little adventure each time you enter one.
The walk itself is packed with variety: open countryside views, stone cuttings, riverside moments and bursts of woodland. It’s one of those routes where the journey genuinely feels as enjoyable as the destination. And Bakewell is such a lovely place to have a pitstop, especially if, like us, you reward yourself with a slice of traditional Bakewell Pudding.
We took our time, stopping often, taking photos and letting the kids run ahead safely on the wide path. The whole walk felt relaxed and full of small moments that made the day memorable. We walked from Monsal Head, through the tunnel, into Bakewell and then walked the same route back.
If you’re looking for more UK inspiration, another favourite family walk of ours is around Carsington Water. Tell me in the comments if you’ve ever walked the Monsal Trail and what your favourite section was.
