Monsal Trail

Location - Monsal Trail: Peak District National Park, Millers Dale Station, Buxton, SK17 8SN - (what3words location)

Distance (around) - variable distances, depending on your choice (overall 8.5 miles)

Accessibility at a glance:

• Access: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Dog friendliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Facilities: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Enjoyment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

More in depth:

Parking and entrance:

• Pay-and-display car parks at multiple entry points along the trail.

• No payment for walks themselves

• Lovely scenic drive through the countryside to reach the area

Paths and distance:

• Wide, smooth, level track suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs.

• Mostly of the walk was  flat, but Chee Dale descent is very steep and may be unsuitable for many mobility aids (this is a choice we made).

• Tunnels were well-lit during the day but can be cool and windy.

Facilities

• Millers Dale Station has toilets, including a Changing Places facility, plus a café and outdoor seating.

• Benches, viewing spots, and a rest cabin near Chee Dale (down a steep hill).

• Dogs are allowed, ideally remain on leads due to livestock and cyclists.

Located in the Derbyshire Peak District, the remarkable Monsal Trail offers 8.5 miles of accessible walking, cycling, and horse-riding paths. The route follows the old Midland Railway line, built in 1863 to connect London and Manchester, and later restored and maintained by the Peak District National Park. Today, it’s a unique walk with lots of history, engineering, and stunning scenery.

There are several entry points along the trail, each offering different distances and experiences. We chose to start at Millers Dale Station, which has pay-and-display parking, clean facilities, including a Changing Places toilet, and a lovely café with picnic benches.

We set off right away, sandwiches packed (very Famous Five-style). The path here is smooth and wide, making it ideal for my mobility scooter, with plenty of room for someone to walk alongside while Betty, trotted ahead on her lead. Dogs are requested to stay on leads because of livestock and passing cyclists, so keeping her safe was essential.

Not far from the station, we reached the impressive Limekilns, towering structures along the trail. Their sheer size created an atmospheric start to the walk.

Continuing onward, we passed through several of the trail’s famous railway tunnels. These are lit during daylight hours and offer a unique experience: albeit cool and windy, echoing, and full of character. Looking up, the curved brickwork, darkened from decades of use, gives you a real sense of Victorian engineering.

Eventually, we emerged onto a viaduct crossing the River Wye. This spot made the perfect lunch break. We rested, ate our sandwiches, and let Betty enjoy water and treats. The sides of the viaduct are high, so I couldn’t see over from scooter height. Still, the views ahead were beautiful, and we even spotted groups of abseilers descending the structure.

Further along, we reached Chee Dale, a breathtakingly picturesque section of the trail with a small bridge, the river flowing below, and a cafe cabin. In hindsight, the descent into Chee Dale was very steep, a personal choice, and not one I would recommend for all mobility aids. Once at the bottom, though, we enjoyed a warm drink, cake, and time soaking up the scenery while Betty barked at innocent passers-by.

The return climb was challenging, but manageable with breaks. After that, we retraced our route back through the tunnels toward Millers Dale Station, taking time to enjoy the views all over again, celebrating with a well-earned ice cream at the café.

Throughout the walk, the surface remained wide, flat, and firm, perfect for scooters, wheelchairs, and walkers. The only accessibility challenge was the optional descent into Chee Dale. Otherwise, the trail was consistently user-friendly, peaceful, and surrounded by wildlife. Birds, wildflowers, and insects thrive here, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Although we covered around seven miles, we only explored one direction from Millers Dale. The opposite direction features even more tunnels and landscapes, giving us the perfect excuse to return.

The Monsal Trail is one of the most unique and accessible outdoor experiences in the Peak District. With industrial heritage, natural beauty, and excellent facilities, it’s a place I’d happily visit again, and one I highly recommend for anyone seeking an inclusive and memorable adventure.

Tip - take a picnic to enjoy in the surroundings