Peak District walk: Ashford-in-the-Water and Monsal Dale

Our walk begins from the beautiful village of Ashford-in-the-Water, named for its proximity to the River Wye, which flows under the old stone bridge that you cross at the beginning of this walk.

You’ll enjoy a mix of scenery on this route, from riverside walking, woodlands and an old railway line, more commonly known as the Monsal Trail.

In springtime, this walk has an abundance of wildflowers, from primroses to the strong-scented wild garlic, and this continues throughout the summer months with luscious green plants and trees as you set foot on the winding trail through Monsal Dale.

Amongst many highlights on the route, you’ll walk towards the Headstone Viaduct, an impressive structure with five arches spanning 300 feet across.

You might want to detour to explore under the viaduct before ascending to the Monsal Trail. You can then walk across the viaduct to see your route in a whole different light. That’s before you plunge into darkness as you navigate through the Headstone Tunnel (don’t worry, it’s not completely black as the tunnel is lit during daylight hours).

Once you’ve made your way out of the tunnel, you head across fields to return to Ashford-in-the-Water.

The walk begins at beautiful Ashford-in-the-Water Photo: Gary Wallis Walk instructions

Step 1 – From the car park, exit and go past the cottages on your left towards the grassy area with a small shelter. At the road, turn left and walk towards the stone bridge over the River Wye. Once over, carefully cross the road and turn right, continuing on the pavement for about 300 metres until you reach a smaller side road on your left.

Turn and walk down the road until the sharp left-hand bend, where you’ll leave the road. Take the footpath on your right past the trees to a wooden gate, then continue to the next gate as the path follows the river.

Monsal Dale Photo: Gary Wallis Step 2 – The path continues alongside the river, through a wide wooden gate, then across a grassy path alongside a stone wall. At the next gate/stile, go through towards the old buildings, bearing right on the path behind them. The trail begins to go uphill through Great Shacklow Woods and continues on a narrow footpath. Please note there are steep slopes along this section (approximately 500 metres).

Towards the end, there’s a final steep rocky section to descend. These are limestone rocks and will be slippery in wet weather. Go through a small wooden gate and turn right, signposted ‘White Lodge’ and ‘Deep Dale’. Walk down this footpath and at the bottom you’ll see another signpost towards ‘Monsal Dale’.

Take the footpath heading right and follow this as it loops around to a small rocky section at the bottom of Deep Dale. Go through the stone gap in the wall, across the stream and up the rocky footpath on the other side. Continue to reach a well-trodden path and re-join the main path below. Go through a gate to reach the White Lodge car park. (Turn left to use the public toilets.)

The imposing and impressive Headstone Viaduct Step 3 – Exit the car park down the wide stepped path and cross the A6 road. On the other side, continue through the gap in the stone wall, down the path to the gate and across the stream. Follow the footpath signposted ‘Monsal Head’. The path forks off several times, but either way will keep you on track as you explore Monsal Dale, alongside the River Wye. Eventually, it’ll bring you out at a grassy area by the river and Monsal Weir.

Continue walking and, as you turn the corner, you’ll see the impressive Headstone Viaduct. Almost at the base of the viaduct, take the left-hand path heading uphill to join the Monsal Trail at the top.

The beautiful Monsal Trail, once a railway line Photo: Getty Step 4 – Go through the gate and turn right onto the Monsal Trail, signposted ‘Monsal Head’. Walk across, admiring the views of the River Wye and Monsal Dale below. Ahead is the Headstone Tunnel. Should you wish, the footpath on the left, just before, will take you up to Monsal Head for refreshments and more stunning views.)

Go through the tunnel, approximately 250 metres, then continue walking on the Monsal Trail. Go under an old railway bridge, then after approximately 800 metres turn right at the signpost for ‘Ashford’.

Step 5 – Go down the steps, across the field to the gap in the stone wall. Walk through the field, keeping to the left and go through a small stone gap in the wall. Continue to a newly built gate (thanks to Peak District volunteers who were building this on my walk). Then walk on the path to another small gate, then a small stone gap in the wall to bring you out on Longstone Lane. Cross here, go through the next stone gap until you reach a gate where the path runs above some large barns. Go through another gate, then head downhill to a stone gap in a wall next to a stone building.

Follow this up the road, cross and continue up the stone steps on the opposite side. Walk down this path and out at another stone gap to another road. Turn left and walk down the road, it bears left, then shortly after you’ll reach the grassy area with shelter in Ashford village. Turn left at the ‘Parking (P)’ and ‘WC’ signpost and you’re back at the car park.

Compass points

Distance: 5.5 miles/ 8.8 km

Grid reference: SK 19359 69888

Map: OL24

Difficulty: The route has some challenging sections and rough terrain, particularly the first part where there are tree roots and muddy paths to navigate. There are also sections of ascent and descent on the route, but these are mostly short sections with a flatter path to follow.

Refreshments: Halfway on the walk, you can detour to either the Monsal Head Hotel & Bar or Hobbs Cafe, which are both located above the Monsal Trail. There are also public toilets here. At the end in Ashford-in-the-Water, you have a choice of a couple of traditional pubs – The Bulls Head, complete with a play area and The Ashford Arms. In addition, you can grab a table at the Aisseford Tea Room. A perfect place to enjoy an afternoon tea.