The Monsal Trail runs for 14 km between Bakewell and Buxton along the route of a railway line, which was closed following cuts in the railway network in the 1960s. Much of the popularity of the trail arises from the fact that it is flat and passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, over a viaduct and bridges high above the River Wye, and through six tunnels. Cycle hire is available and cafés can be found along the length of the trail. Originally people needed to follow footpaths around the tunnels, which were closed for several years, but these were made safe and reopened with lighting, boosting use of the trail even further.
Plans have now been put forward by train enthusiasts, who already run a line from Matlock to near Bakewell, to reopen the line for rail traffic. The Peak District National Park Authority, however, views the proposal with some alarm. Its spokesperson said that it would only support the proposal if an alternative leisure route could be found that would be at least as attractive as the Monsal Trail.
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