I’ve loved the Monsal Trail for years. My husband has taken us to the Peak District many times, and on this trip we started at Monsal Head, took in the view over the viaduct, then joined the old railway line for a simple, scenic walk into Bakewell.
Because the trail follows a former railway, the gradient stays gentle and the path is fairly smooth — ideal for families. Small bikes cope well, though scooters might find some sections tricky. We passed through long, lit tunnels that felt a little spooky and a lot of fun for the kids.
The route offers plenty of variety: wide countryside views, stone cuttings, riverside stretches and pockets of woodland. The walk itself is as enjoyable as the destination, and Bakewell makes a lovely stop — especially if you treat yourself to a slice of traditional Bakewell pudding.
We took our time, stopping often for photos and letting the children run ahead safely along the wide path. We walked from Monsal Head, through the tunnel into Bakewell, and then returned the same way.
If you’re after more UK family walks, another favourite of ours is the route around Carsington Water.
