Monsal Trail and Ashford in the Water
Derbyshire
The Monsal Trail follows the former Midland Railway line through the limestone dales of the White Peak, and this 9km circular makes fine use of the stretch between Bakewell and Ashford in the Water. From Bakewell the trail heads northwest through two restored Victorian tunnels, cool and dripping with a cathedral-like echo, before emerging at Monsal Head with its celebrated view of the Headstone Viaduct arching across the dale. The return follows the River Wye downstream through Shacklow Wood and quiet lanes into Ashford in the Water, where the medieval Sheepwash Bridge still stands. With 265 metres of ascent, the off-trail sections add genuine hill character to the flat railway surface.
This is a varied and engaging dog friendly walk with moderate off-lead potential on the trail itself, though leads are needed through the livestock fields on the riverside return where sheep graze the water meadows. The firm trail surface is comfortable on paws in all seasons, and the limestone dale sections carry a distinctive cool, chalky freshness. The River Wye provides good water access at several points along the return leg. Hassop Station café on the trail is a reliable dog-friendly stop with outdoor seating. Bakewell and Ashford both have excellent dog-friendly pubs, and the Ashford Arms is worth seeking out. The tunnels add novelty, though nervous dogs may need encouragement through the darker sections.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- River, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Hassop Station cafe on trail; Ashford in the Water village shop mid-route; toilets at Hassop Station
- Parking
- Bakewell Station Car Park, DE45 1BU, or town centre car parks; pay and display
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monsal Trail and Ashford in the Water dog friendly?
This is a well-suited walk for dogs, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The firm trail surface is comfortable on paws year-round, the River Wye offers several good spots for a drink or a splash on the return leg, and Hassop Station café along the route welcomes dogs with outdoor seating. Bakewell and Ashford in the Water both have dog-friendly pubs too, with the Ashford Arms particularly worth a visit.
Can dogs be off lead at Monsal Trail and Ashford in the Water?
There's moderate off-lead potential on the Monsal Trail itself, which follows a wide, traffic-free former railway line. However, leads are essential on the riverside return through the water meadows, where sheep graze the fields alongside the River Wye. If your dog is steady around livestock, this section is still a lovely stretch , just keep them close.
What should I know before visiting Monsal Trail and Ashford in the Water with my dog?
The route passes through two restored Victorian tunnels, which are cool, dark, and echo-filled , a novelty for most dogs, but worth being aware of if yours is on the nervous side. The walk is a 9km circular with 265 metres of ascent, so the off-trail sections give it a genuine hill feel beyond the flat railway surface. Parking is available at Bakewell Station Car Park (DE45 1BU) on a pay and display basis, and there are toilets and a café at Hassop Station mid-route.
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