Monsal Head & Monsal Trail
Monsal Head / Monsal Trail
A classic viewpoint over the River Wye valley and Headstone Viaduct, with a trail on a former railway passing through several tunnels.
Monsal Head is one of the Peak District's most classic viewpoints. From the top, you look down on the River Wye winding through the Monsal Dale valley, with the Victorian five-arch stone Headstone Viaduct spanning the valley. The former Midland Railway line has been converted into the Monsal Trail, about 14 km long, which passes through several lit tunnels and over viaducts. It is flat and car-free, making it very suitable for cycling and family walks. Bikes can be hired near Bakewell at Hassop station and at Millers Dale. From the viewpoint, a footpath descends to the viaduct in about 10 minutes, and you can continue on to Raven Cliff Falls and beyond. There is a pub and a car park beside the viewpoint.
Opening hours
Open all day (tunnel lit approx. sunrise to sunset)
Nearby sights
- Bakewell
- Eyam (Plague Village)
- Haddon Hall
- Peveril Castle
- Peak Cavern
- Castleton
- Speedwell Cavern
- Winnats Pass