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Start in the National Park pay-and-display car park at Bakewell Station, at the top of Station Road. Use the signed level connection beside the former station to join the Monsal Trail, then follow the former railway north-west towards Hassop. This is an out-and-back walk to the far end of Headstone Viaduct, returning along the same trail.
Pass Hassop Station, where a cafe and toilets provide a useful stop, and continue through the countryside beside Thornbridge to the former Great Longstone Station. Stay on the broad railway trail through Headstone Cutting and the roughly 400-metre Headstone Tunnel. Beyond the tunnel, cross the five-arched Headstone Viaduct for views along Monsal Dale and the River Wye. Turn around at the far end of the viaduct.
The railway gradient is gentle and the trail has generally firm, compacted surfaces, with an asphalt deck on the viaduct. Allow about three hours for the 10.9 km walk and a short pause. Walk on the left, especially in the tunnel, and share the route carefully with cyclists and horse riders. Dogs should be on a lead. Tunnel lighting operates in daylight hours; plan to return before dusk.
Bakewell Station has a small public car park with card-only payment and RingGo location 51702. Use marked public spaces and check the signs on arrival. Check the Peak District National Park temporary-closures page before setting out and follow any on-site barriers. Route and visitor information: Peak District National Park Authority, www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/monsaltrail.
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