Monsal Trail Cycle Ride - 3rd March 2014-

Monsal Trail Cycle Ride -  3rd March 2014 

So, we tried and liked our short cycle trails in 2013, and decision was made to purchase new bikes to replace the £99 supermarket specials we bought early last year.

After a bit of research online we decided upon Hybrids, as we would not be doing too much road cycling, only maybe quiet back roads and we would be leaving the mountains for walking.

We would, we decided, be tackling canal paths, old railway trails, gravel tracks, trails etc... but nothing that would require a full blown mountain bike.

We bought the bikes from Macclesfield (yes, nowhere near home!), but it was a good deal on 2013 models from Whyte (Caledonian for me and Malvern for Susan) and the bikes in question did get some reasonable reviews. So we went for it.

After a few local spins around Cleethorpes country park and sea front, we though somewhere a little farther afiefld would be good, and thought of the Monsal Trail.



The trail runs from Bakewell on the route of the old railway towards Buxton, though does not at present go that far as a cycle trail. Its about 8 miles (Then the same back to the start point of course)
To save parking in Bakewell, we picked up the trail at Hassop station, where there is ample parking and a cafe, shop and bike hire if you need it.
So after a Bacon bun in the cafe we found the trial behind the cafe and set off. 

The trial is nice and flat (OK maybe a slight incline in places), and a good surface.

The old tunnels are one of the highlights, and there are about half a dozen of these of varying lengths, all lit up (though still a bit dark). The trail is shared with walkers so careful especially through the tunnels.

Some good views to be had at Monsal Head. We had walked here a few years ago, but then, underneath the railway viaduct. 

At the end of the trail, you can walk the bikes down a few steps and carry on for maybe about another mile to a car park (Follow the path seen above by the river).

We returned back the same way, so about 16 miles, thoroughly enjoyed it!!