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Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Headstone Viaduct loop from Rowsley

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Headstone Viaduct loop from Rowsley

Hard

riders

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Headstone Viaduct loop from Rowsley

02:57

44.7km

790m

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: June 20, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 4.14 km for 82 m

After 33.4 km for 74 m

After 40.5 km for 82 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

5.56 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

6.03 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

12.0 km

A Great Double Dyke

Archaeological Site

12.9 km

View of Calver

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great spot high above Calver with views for miles on a clear day

Tip by

20.5 km

Hall Hill Troughs

Ruins

33.7 km

Headstone Viaduct

Highlight • Monument

Headstone Viaduct is a breathtaking structure that crosses Monsal Dale. The five-arch bridge, which is 70 feet (21 m) tall at its highest point, affords fine views over the River Wye. Built in 1863 by the Midland Railway, many believed the structure blighted the view upon its completion. These days, however, it is iconic and has Grade II-listed status. The viaduct now carries the Monsal Trail, a traffic-free route for hikers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.

Tip by

33.8 km

View of Monsal Dale

Highlight • Viewpoint

Amazing views down monsal bridge head check out the photos views are Amazing

Tip by

34.4 km

Peak District Cycle Tunnels

Highlight • Trail

Well lit, nicely paved tunnels which last approx 100m each

Tip by

34.5 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

35.4 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

40.9 km

Buck Pingle Plantation

Forest

44.7 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

20.4 km

13.7 km

5.84 km

3.36 km

1.18 km

286 m

Surfaces

12.8 km

11.9 km

10.1 km

9.77 km

187 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (410 m)

Lowest point (100 m)

Weather

Sunday 12 July

24°C

12°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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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 – Headstone Viaduct loop from Rowsley

Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge

Monsal Trail Gravel Path

View of Calver

Headstone Viaduct

View of Monsal Dale

Peak District Cycle Tunnels

Headstone Tunnel

Monsal Trail

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