Classic Hike, Monsal Dale and Magpie Mine

Route: Monsal Trail and Monsal Dale.

Meet at: Bakewell Bridge Car Park, Coombes Road, Bakewell, postcode DE45 1BU. As an environmentally conscious group, we actively encourage car sharing. Further details of car sharing arrangements from Sheffield, Manchester and elsewhere will appear in the comments section nearer the time.

This excellent circular hike takes place in the heart of the White Peak and passes through some of the finest scenery in the national park as well as taking in a lot of modern history with some splendid architectural relics from the 19th century. A very atmospheric outing that is well suited to a crisp winter's day. There is also something quite magical about returning to the historic market town of Bakewell just as darkness is descending at the end of the hike.

The full day will include a stroll to the well preserved remains of Bakewell railway station, a steady hike along the course of the disused railway line that forms part of the Monsal Trail, a walk through the village of Little Longstone to Monsal Head where we can enjoy one of the most famous views in the Peak District, before a descent into the valley to cross the Monsal Viaduct, then a continuation through Monsal Dale along the banks of the River Wye leading to a long steady ascent through leafy woodland and on through the village of Sheldon and onwards to Magpie Mine, one of the few surviving lead mines from the Peak District’s industrial past, followed by a long pleasant amble over rolling countryside, taking us through the village of Over Haddon and back to our starting point in Bakewell.

Photos of our previous outings to Monsale Dale can be seen here:

https://4142298.xyz/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/31644674/

https://4142298.xyz/Sheffield-Mountaineering-Rock-Climbing-Meet/photos/30999301/

Difficulty: There are no technical difficulties on the hike.

Experience Required: No previous experience required, all you need is a reasonable level of fitness, sense of adventure and preparation for any weather.

Duration: Approx. 18 km with height gain of approx. 500 metres. Estimated time 5 to 6 hours.

Ordnance Survey Map: OS 119 Buxton and Matlock 1:50 000 Scale.

As always, if everybody wants to contribute £2.00 towards our Meet Up site fees and other operating costs that will be great, thanks.