WALKS The Jane Kelly and her dog, Tilly, reveal the many delights of the Monsal Trail

he Monsal Trail follows tunnels re-opened. There the remains of the are plenty of opportunities N E K ELLY a n d JA T ’s to escape from the busier line between London and sections of the trail, simply by om c k. om Manchester then extends an wandering along the banks extra 8.5 miles from Blackwell of the River Wye, which Mill near to . boasts the most spectacular The trail attracts cyclists, limestone scenery. walkers and horse-riders Those that enjoy a more and can be extremely busy adventurous route will like at peak times of the year, the steep rocky paths, whilst S /s hu tt e rsto HUGHE DAVID © PICs especially on weekends when those less accustomed to

the weather is sunny. The trail such strenuous activity, can has become a popular leisure wander happily along the

route, particularly since the more gentle pathways.  ...wander along the banks of the ‘ River Wye which boasts the most ‘ spectacular limestone scenery.

Out & About 21 WALKS

Millers transported which led to more twitchers Dale quarrying, the construction of Chee Dale, a limestone gorge, lime kilns and the production has been designated a Site of station is the of quicklime which was in great Special Scientific Interest and Monsal Trail walks first station you demand in the nineteenth the Monsal Trail cuts through it in If you prefer a circular walk, WALKING THE TRAIL see if you start century. You can still see the kilns a series of tunnels. You can often and Millers Dale try the Bakewell Loop which is It’s probably best to walk the at the Wyedale end of the trail, at either end of the station, where hear the woodpeckers that have A charming walk — simply just over three miles in length. trail in sections, rather than the and was once the largest station swifts have made their home. The made the slopes their home. follow the signs to Chee Dale It uses the Public Bridleway whole thing, because public on the line. crevices within the kilns are used and explore the river. The track which is just a short walk transport links are somewhat The railway was used by local by hibernating bats in the winter. enjoy Monsal Head can be rocky and gets muddy. along the Monsal Trail from limited, being in such a rural farmers bringing milk to ‘the The Wildlife Trust, The views of Monsal Viaduct, Details of a circular route, The Station. Dogs can part of the country. It’s also milk train’ which carried it to which manages the reserve Dale and Trail are amazing and Wild Rhubarb Walk which links run off lead without worry. worth mentioning that there’s bottling plants in Manchester and next to the lime kilns requests there are several paths down – Millers Dale and Blackwell Mill You can find details atwww. a very slight uphill gradient if Sheffield. The railway also brought that dogs are kept on leads, these are steep in places but it’s can be found on our website. dogfriendlypeakdistrict.co.uk. you start in Bakewell. I hadn’t industry with it, as it provided especially during the nesting worth it, especially if you walk all really noticed but cyclists say access to the limestone deposits. season (April - July) and if cattle the way to the waterfall. If you’re Bakewell Station Millers Dale cycling back from Blackwell Mill Large quantities of stone were or sheep are present. thirsty, the hotel is dog-friendly. and Hassop Station and Monsal Head is much quicker. A gentle linear walk of only one A longer walk of three miles WARNING There’s a Tilly exploring the pathway at Chee Dale mile (and a mile back again) each way which includes both misconception that the trail along the trail from Bakewell the Litton and runs between Bakewell and Station. Enjoy a drink at the Tunnels — you can sit inside Buxton but it actually finishes cafe. There’s a covered area or out at the Stables Bar or at Blackwell Mill. where you can sit. outside the cafe at Monsal If you’re walking this section, Hassop Station Bookshop & Head. If you fancy a longer there’s a car park about ten Café, Hassop, Bakewell walk, wander down to Little minutes further on down an Tel 01629 815 668 or visit Longstone (a five-minute walk unmade road – this is often www.hassopstation.co.uk from Monsal Head) and visit the used by vehicles accessing dog-friendly Packhorse Inn. the properties at Blackwell You can avoid the tunnels if Mill. I wouldn’t recommend you leave the trail at Litton Mill parking at the Wyedale end and follow the concessionary of the trail because the car pathway along the river until park’s very small and you can’t you reach Cressbrook Mill. let your dog off-lead until you This takes you through a lovely reach the trail itself. The car area known as Water-Cum- park at Millers Dale is more Jolly which is rich in wildlife. It suitable. If you’d like more can become impassable after details you can download a heavy rain. The pathway leads free map at www.peakdistrict. across the weir then up and on gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_ to Monsal Head where it rejoins file/0012/112053/monsal- the Monsal Trail at the head of trail-map.pdf Cressbrook Tunnel. CODE OF CONDUCT Please take great care with your dog and follow the code — this states that ‘Dogs must be kept under close control at all times and on short leads in the tunnels.’

The waterfall at

22 Out & About Out & About 23 WALKS CATCHING THE BUS Services operate ENJOYING BAKEWELL’S DELIGHTS Eat out! from Chesterfield and There are plenty of dog-friendly eateries The Red Lion The Anglers Rest, Sheffield to Tideswell Tel 01629 812 054 or Millers Dale, Buxton and Millers Dale. The bus The Castle Inn visit www.red-lion-bakewell.co.uk Tel 01298 871 323 or visit stop is on the main road Tel 01629 812 103 or visit l Dogs are welcome in the tap room at this pub which www.theanglersrest.co.uk through Millers Dale and www.castle-inn-bakewell.co.uk is situated in the centre of Bakewell on The Square. l An extremely dog-friendly pub in l Awarded ‘District Pub of Wyedale (Topley Pike). Castle Street — the only area that dogs aren’t Manners Hotel the Year’ by the Sheffield & A limited service also allowed is down the steps in the restaurant. Tel 01629 812 756 or District branch of CAMRA, it’s operates through Monsal visit www.themannershotel.com The Wheatsheaf l Dogs are welcome in the pub and beer the perfect for walkers Head (Service 173). If you Tel 01629 812 985 or visit garden which is situated on Haddon Road. and their dogs. want more details, visit www.letsgo-bakewell.co.uk/the-wheatsheaf- Directions Leaving the www.traveline.info or i601394.html Honey Bun Café station at Millers Dale, walk Bakewell Visitor Centre, l Situated in Bridge Street, dogs are allowed Tel 01629 815 150 in the bar and lounge but not the restaurant. l Dogs are welcome at 1 Water Street. towards Bakewell, then take The Old Market Hall, the pathway signed Millers Bridge Street, Bakewell. Dale and, after dropping down the steep slope you’ll find the pub, via a bridge, on the other side of the river.

The Stables Bar, Monsal Head, Nr Bakewell Tel 01629 640 250 or visit www.monsalhead.com l The stables once housed the horses that brought people up the steep incline from what was Monsal Dale Station. Dogs are welcome inside but there’s also a large seating area outside. DOG-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION Greenhills Holiday Park, Rutland Arms Hotel, The Square, Bakewell Directions Cross the Monsal Crowhill Lane, Bakewell Tel 01629 812 812 or visit Viaduct and, just before Beechcroft Caravan Site Tel 01629 813 052 or visit www.rutlandarmsbakewell.co.uk Beechcroft Farm, Blackwell-in-the-Peak, www.greenhillsholidaypark.co.uk. l Dogs welcome in the courtyard and lounge. Jane runs the Dog Friendly Headstone Tunnel, turn left Nr Buxton l The park is between February and November. website, an online guide of dog-friendly up the steep pathway to Tel 01298 85330 or visit Bolehill Farm Holiday Cottages, Bolehill Farm, places in the Peak District Monsal Head. The bar is next www.beechcroftfarm.net Monsal Head Hotel, , Nr Bakewell www.dogfriendlypeakdistrict.co.uk to the hotel. l This site is open all year round and welcomes Nr Bakewell Tel 01629 812 539 or visit responsible owners. The Monsal Trail is less than Tel 01629 640 250 or www.bolehillfarm.co.uk a mile away along the Pennine Bridleway which visit www.monsalhead.com l A collection of eight converted cottages — The Packhorse Inn, passes by the site entrance. l Well-behaved dogs are welcome. dogs are welcome. Main Street, , Nr Bakewell Tel 01629 640 471 or visit www.packhorse longstone.co.uk l Muddy owners and their dogs are welcome. Directions If you fancy a little detour, leave the trail at Monsal Head and walk down the road opposite the Monsal Head Hotel, towards Little Longstone. The pub is on the left hand side as you enter the village.

24 Out & About Out & About 25