Bakewell and Monsal Trail Cycle

The Monsal Trail is a 8.5-mile converted railway path running from Chee Dale to Blackwell Mill, roughly 15 miles south-west of Sheffield. The trail passes through four stone tunnels and crosses five Victorian viaducts, offering views across limestone valleys. This guided cycle tour covers approximately 12 miles total (6 miles out, 6 miles back), with a break in Bakewell town to taste the local Bakewell tart at the original Bakewell Pudding Shop, operating since 1860. The terrain is flat and tarmacked, suitable for leisure cyclists and families with older children. No hills or steep sections. Best for Cyclists and families with older children. This is a moderate activity lasting 6 hours. Group size: 2-25. You meet at Sheffield Station forecourt. Key highlights: Four stone tunnels carved during Victorian railway era, Five limestone viaducts with valley views below, Flat, smooth tarmac path - no steep hills or loose gravel.

Price: £42

Duration: 6 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 2-25

Minimum age: 10+

Best for: Cyclists and families with older children

Best time: May–September for warm, dry weather and longest daylight. April and October are good; avoid November–March when paths are wet and daylight is short. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Early start (9am) avoids afternoon crowds on Bakewell.

Meeting point: Sheffield Station forecourt

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

9:00am Meet at Sheffield Station forecourt - Groups of 2–25 gather near the main taxi rank. Tour bus arrives with bikes already loaded.

9:50am Arrive at Monsal Trail car park (Blackwell Mill trailhead) - Small car park 14 miles from Sheffield. Guide issues helmets and checks bike fit. Safety briefing (10 min).

10:00am–11:30am Cycle westbound along Monsal Trail towards Bakewell - Flat tarmac path, 6 miles. Pass through two tunnels and two viaducts. Guide stops to explain geology and railway history. Pace is leisurely (8–10 mph).

11:30am–12:00pm Arrive in Bakewell town - Bikes parked securely. Group walks 5 minutes to Bakewell Pudding Shop.

12:00pm–1:15pm Bakewell tart tasting and town exploration - Sample Bakewell Pudding (£4–6) and hot drink. 30 min in the shop, 30 min free time in market square. Shops and tea rooms optional.

1:15pm–2:45pm Cycle eastbound back to car park - Return journey covers two additional tunnels and one more viaduct. Same flat terrain. Pace slightly faster as wind-down.

The whole experience takes 6 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Sheffield Station forecourt.

• Four stone tunnels carved during Victorian railway era
• Five limestone viaducts with valley views below
• Flat, smooth tarmac path - no steep hills or loose gravel
• Bakewell Pudding Shop sample (operating since 1860)
• Bakewell market town with independent shops and tea rooms

What is included: Return minivan or coach transport from Sheffield Station, Bicycle rental (hybrid bikes suitable for adults and teenagers), Safety helmet and high-visibility gear, Guided cycle tour with pace leader.

Not included: Bakewell tart or refreshments (£4–8, optional at Bakewell Pudding Shop), Lunch (bring own or buy in Bakewell), Bike lock and security (bikes secured by operator), Cycling gloves or padded shorts. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable cycling clothing (no loose scarves or long trousers that catch chain), Waterproof jacket - trails are exposed, Sun cream and hat, Water bottle (refill at Bakewell town), Small backpack for personal items, Cash for Bakewell Pudding Shop (£4–6) and town shops, Comfortable cycling shoes (not mandatory, but cleats not recommended on tarmac). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May–September for warm, dry weather and longest daylight. April and October are good; avoid November–March when paths are wet and daylight is short. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Early start (9am) avoids afternoon crowds on Bakewell..

Tip: Bikes and helmets provided

Tip: Moderate fitness level required

Accessibility: Flat, paved path suitable for leisure cyclists and children aged 10+. Younger children may need balance bikes or small bikes with stabilisers; confirm availability when booking. Not suitable for wheelchair users or hand-cycle cyclists (path is narrow). Pregnant women and people with heart conditions should consult their doctor before cycling 12 miles..

Operator: Peak Cycle Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Peak District National Park (Monsal Trail is within the park boundaries walk)

This activity is run by Peak Cycle Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 7 days before; 50% refund 3–7 days prior; non-refundable within 3 days. Bad weather (heavy rain making path hazardous) may trigger free rescheduling..

Accessibility: Flat, paved path suitable for leisure cyclists and children aged 10+. Younger children may need balance bikes or small bikes with stabilisers; confirm availability when booking. Not suitable for wheelchair users or hand-cycle cyclists (path is narrow). Pregnant women and people with heart conditions should consult their doctor before cycling 12 miles..

Best time to go: May–September for warm, dry weather and longest daylight. April and October are good; avoid November–March when paths are wet and daylight is short. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Early start (9am) avoids afternoon crowds on Bakewell..

What size bikes are available, and do you have children's bikes?

Bikes range from small (14-inch frame) to large (22-inch frame). Children aged 10–12 typically fit 14–16 inch frames. Balance bikes and stabilisers are not available. Confirm your child's height and cycling experience when booking; staff can advise on fit. Average adult bikes are 18–20 inch.

How long does it take to cycle the Monsal Trail?

The 6-mile outbound journey takes 45–60 minutes at a leisure pace (8–10 mph). The return journey is similar. Total cycling time is 90–120 minutes, not including the 1.5-hour break in Bakewell. If you're a faster cyclist, expect 10–12 mph and arrive in Bakewell 10–15 minutes earlier.

Can I bring my own bike instead of hiring?

Yes, but you forfeit the rental fee (no discount applied). Your bike must be in good working order; operators do not provide repairs. Confirm with the operator in advance. Most people use the provided bikes, which are well-maintained and insured.