Saturday 19th July - Bakewell to Blackwell Mill Via Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free route for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through spectacular limestone dales with incredible views from places like the iconic Headstone Viaduct (as often seen from Monsal Head).
The trail is 8.5 miles long, stretching at its furthest points between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road in Bakewell, with lots of access points connecting to additional footpaths and bridleways. The route is near to Great Longstone, Little Longstone, Cressbrook Mill, Litton Mill and Tideswell Dale.
The route follows the former Manchester to London Midland Railway line, closed in the late 1960s.
Families with young children and pushchairs, wheelchair users, cyclists and strollers will love the Monsal Trail for its easy access and flat surfaces through White Peak hills and dales. There are a number of refreshment stops along the way.
You can walk the full distance from Bakewell to Blackwell which would be 17 miles - or, and this will be my choice on the day - walk until you want then simply turn around and head back to Bakewell.
This walk has been planned so that you can walk as little or as far as you like, giving you the options to bring family and friends of all ability.
There are 2 cafes on the trail, both serving food and drink so very easy to turn this in to a nice leisurely stroll or a long out an back if people want to get their steps in.
As group leader I will probably do 5 miles out from Bakewell then turning round back to Bakewell via one of the cafes for lunch. Making a nice steady 10 mile walk. Anyone is welcome to do that with me or simply meet at the start and do your own thing.
Meeting time and Place
09:30 at Bakewell Station Car Park - DE45 1GE - If travelling by car you may wish to get to the car park slightly earlier as the car park does fill up early. If the car park is full - there are other options in Bakewell itself - just park up and head on foot to DE45 1GE
Lunch:
Walkers can of course bring a packed lunch and drinks. There are 2 cafe's on route - Hassop and Millers Dale Stations. Hassop being the nicest one.
Clothing:
Walkers should wear suitable clothing for walking. Waterproof clothing will be needed in the event of inclement weather.
Although this is a paved trail - if it has been raining, rather large puddles form, so please where appropriate footwear.
Expenses:
Depending on how big the group is(this is a popular walk) depends on how much travel expenses you can claim. It will either be 100% or 50%. This will be confirmed ahead of the walk.
**Please car share wherever possible**
To register for the walk, please click the following link - https://www.hassra.org.uk/hassra-y-and-h-walking-club-bakewell-to-blackwell-mill-via-monsal-trail-2
Email karen.sinden@dwp.gov.uk if you have any questions