Monsal Head is a hamlet and peak overlooking Monsal Dale in a central part of the Peak District. The beauty spot is a must-see during summer months whether you’re looking for a countryside getaway, refreshing drinks with a view, or amazing walks. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.
Viewpoint & Headstone Viaduct
The single reason thousands of people flood to Monsal Head every year is because it is home to, arguably, the best view in the Peak District National Park. It overlooks the beautiful Monsal Dale viaduct and limestone gorge. The picture-perfect landscape is nothing short of breathtaking with benches along the car park to take in the view. The MonsalHead viaduct is part of the hugely popular Monsal Trail which is a favourite for cyclists and walkers travelling from Bakewell. From the top of the dale you’ll see lots of ant-like figures crossing it during your visit. But you can also walk down to the bottom of Monsal Dale and experience it up close along the river wye that flows underneath with a mini waterfall in the area.
Monsal Head Hotel
Monsal Head Hotel Stables Bar
Monsal Head Hotel and pub extension (referred to as Stables Bar) is a hotspot during the summer. The hotel is satisfactory for its 3-star rating despite mixed reviews at times, particularly when it has switched ownership/management. The main benefit of Monsal Head Hotel is the perfect location that places you right next to Monsal Dale. It’s a great hotel to stay in if you want accommodation with some of the best locally sourced drinks from Peak Ales, outside seating and views. It is a bit secluded, making it less convenient for anyone without a car. Since there isn’t much to do on foot other than exploring the dale, a few shops such as Monsal’s Enchanted Emporium for treats and a gift shop, as well as visits from the ice-cream van, we recommend driving there to give yourself plenty of other options in the surrounding areas.
Monsal Head Car Park
Front side (quick access) Back side (more space)
There are 4 areas to consider for parking. The main one is Monsal Head Car Park. The front side facing Monsal Dale only has 19 spaces so you may not get a spot at peak times but it’s ideal for enjoying the views from the warmth of your car on cooler days. The back entrance is much larger with 89 spaces and has a gap in the wall near the top right to experience the dale view in a less crowded grass area with benches. Both use a Pay & Display machine run by Derbyshire Dales District Council through Paybyphone. You can pay on your phone using the paybyphone app. Simply download the app, enter the location number ‘806396’, and select how long you need. This also allows you to extend your time if it’s about to expire while you’re out. Alternatively, call 0330 400 7275. The car park is open 24 hours including weekends and bank holidays but you’re not allowed to camp or sleep in vehicles overnight. You can, however, park overnight between 6pm and 8am for just £1. Parking charges (including blue badge holders with 1 additional hour free) are:
- Up to 1 hour = £1.50
- Up to 2 hours = £2.50
- Up to 3 hours = £3.80
- Up to 4 hours = £5.00
- All day = £6.00
Free parking is also available nearby, albeit scarce. Shortly before entering Monsal Head via Castlegate Lane there is a lay-by with a gate on your right. This is a nice spot away from the crowds to have a picnic and enjoy views of Monsal Dale headstone viaduct. If you want to walk down to the main viewpoint by the hotel it may take an extra 10 minutes of roadside walking.
Alternatively, Butts Road just opposite Monsal Head Hotel has roadside parking on one side but it can be difficult to find a space.
Monsal Head Walks
Many visitors stop off at Monsal Head as part of another walk. The go-to route when starting here is heading down to Monsal Dale from the front car park if you just want to go to the weir (waterfall). Descend to the left and then come back round on a shorter circular walk or keep following the trail to Ashford-in-the-water village on a longer 4 mile trip. You can also go right from the same starting point to explore Monsal Dale via the Monsal Trail viaduct (recommended). Or, head to Upperdale but this is not the typical choice for walkers unless you want to walk to Litton or Cressbrook dale.
Things to do near Monsal Head
Monsal Trail
Start the Monsal Trail at Bakewell and stop off at Monsal Head for afternoon tea by going off the trail just past the headstone viaduct, or start at Monsal Hotel and head down into the dale to get onto the trail.
Ashford-in-the-water
Ashford is quite an upmarket village so it is well kept with glimmering streams, ivy-covered houses, and home to Thornbridge Hall. Stop for drinks at The Ashford Arms or take your kids to the park.
Chee Dale Stepping Stones
If you enjoy a bit of mud and scrambling on your adventures, chee dale is a fantastic walk. Take a detour on the monsal trail after passing Miller Dale or drive to Miller Dale car park to start.
Cressbrook Dale
An underrated gem you can travel through when taking the Upperdale route north from Monsal Head Hotel. Or, drive to Litton and get the best views from a gate tucked in the lay-by half way up Mires Lane going into the village.
Getting to Monsal Head
Getting there by car (recommended): Use your GPS or Google Maps to Monsal Head, Castlegate Lane, Derbyshire Dales, DE45 1NJ. You can’t miss the car park.
Getting there by train: Take the Northern Rail Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly train and get off at Hope. Walk to the end of Station Road and go to the bus stop on your right. Catch the 173 bus to Bakewell and get off at Ashford Lane near the hotel (approx. 1h 30 mins).
Getting there by bus: Bakewell square is the main access point where you may need to switch buses to get between villages. Take the 173 Andrews of Tideswell bus from Bakewell Square to Castleton or the 257a bus towards Sheffield centre and ask to get off near Monsal Head Hotel (approx. 25 mins).