Monsal Trail

[Soggyundercarriage]

We are taking our children 7 and 11 here and having looked at the map I'm not sure which bit to do? Kids will be on bikes and me and DH will be walking. Any tips or routes that would be good? We are all fit but I don't want to park up, ride the whole way along and then face a whingy moany ride back with 7 year old with tired legs.
Also which end is best to park at?
Thanks

How many miles do you think you’d do?

There’s a great cafe at Hassop so aiming to get there for lunch would be good. From bakewell to hassop there’s no tunnels so I guess park somewhere like millers dale or Monsal head depending how far you think they can manage and head for hassop?

It’s slightly uphill from hassop to monsal....not really enough that you notice the uphill. But you do notice the downhill. So personally I prefer starting at bakewell and heading west as then you get the slight downhill on the return.

Prob halfway and then back.. unless we can catch a bus on the way back!

Start at Hassop and walk up until you start to get tired then the kids can glide down hill.

It’s a busy trail so if it’s a nice day there will likely be a lot of bikes, some barrelling along. You can do the valley walk from Cressbrook to Litton Mill as an alternative.

We go very frequently with our boys (now 8 and 10). We always start at Hassop and head towards Millersdale. It’s ever so slightly uphill on way out as mentioned but lovely downhill on way back. We generally are all on bikes though. Gorgeous views and the tunnels are fun to ride through. Always have an ice cream or hot drink and snack when we get back to Hassop and often take a packed lunch to eat at Millersdale (where there are toilets too).

Mummydoctor
Thanks will try that..
Can't wait to go, it looks stunning

Soggyundercarriage you will love it!

If this is a one of treat/ visit and you have funds - Hire bikes for the adults at Hssop! And go to millersdale (cafe there too now)

My 8 and 6 year old made it there and back with s suitable refuel at Millersdale. If your seven year old will struggle you could also consider hiring a tandem/ tag along. www.hassopstation.co.uk/cyclehire/

I always do it slightly uphill too - as pp say the way back is fab. Brilliant advice on this thread, second all the lovely places mentioned.

Finish at Monsal head for the views and the Ice cream and do have a look at cressbrook mill. If you are observant you'll see dippers on the river.

Thanks so much for all the tips.. Will have a look at hiring bikes too 🖒
Very excited.. probably more than the kids!!