Buxton to Bakewell - Sunday 31 August 2025
Route
Buxton Country Park - Grinlow Tower (Solomon's Temple) - Poole's Cavern - Staden - Cowdale - King Sterndale - Wyedale - Monsal Trail - Chee Dale - Millers Dale - Litton Mill - Litton Tunnel - Cressbrook Tunnel - Upperdale - Monsal Head - Hassop Station - Coombs Road - Bakewell
Parking
Grin Low & Buxton Country Park (Charge). As of 2025 the charge for parking was £2 payable via an honesty box. The nearest postcode is SK17 6UJ. For the finish, parking is plentiful in Bakewell, both free and Pay & Display. It should be noted that the Car Park at Grin Low closes at 1800.
Mileage
17 miles
Terrain
Woodland & field paths, short sections of road walking and the very flat Monsal Trail. To visit the pub at Monsal Head requires a short, steep climb and descent on a good path.
Weather
Overcast with sunny spells & light breezes
Time Taken
6hrs 10mins
Total Ascent
2552ft (778m)
Map
OL24 The Peak District (White Peak Area)
Walkers
Dave with Angie & Robbie meeting me at Monsal Head & Coombs Road
Buxton Country Park - Grinlow Tower (Solomon's Temple) - Poole's Cavern - Staden - Cowdale - King Sterndale - Wyedale - Monsal Trail - Chee Dale - Millers Dale - Litton Mill - Litton Tunnel - Cressbrook Tunnel - Upperdale - Monsal Head - Hassop Station - Coombs Road - Bakewell
Parking
Grin Low & Buxton Country Park (Charge). As of 2025 the charge for parking was £2 payable via an honesty box. The nearest postcode is SK17 6UJ. For the finish, parking is plentiful in Bakewell, both free and Pay & Display. It should be noted that the Car Park at Grin Low closes at 1800.
Mileage
17 miles
Terrain
Woodland & field paths, short sections of road walking and the very flat Monsal Trail. To visit the pub at Monsal Head requires a short, steep climb and descent on a good path.
Weather
Overcast with sunny spells & light breezes
Time Taken
6hrs 10mins
Total Ascent
2552ft (778m)
Map
OL24 The Peak District (White Peak Area)
Walkers
Dave with Angie & Robbie meeting me at Monsal Head & Coombs Road
GPX Files
From 1 March 2025 GPX files will not be available directly from the walk page as there is difficulty in using a downloadable version from the website. To that end, if you require a GPX File please get in touch via the Contact Form below and we will gladly forward it to you - thank you.
From 1 March 2025 GPX files will not be available directly from the walk page as there is difficulty in using a downloadable version from the website. To that end, if you require a GPX File please get in touch via the Contact Form below and we will gladly forward it to you - thank you.
Route Map
We were staying right next door to the start of today's walk at the Buxton Caravan & Motorhome Club Site. There is a large parking area here at the Grin Low & Buxton Country Park - parking is charged via an Honesty Box which is located in the wall of the building behind the tree. As it states on the notice, the Car Park is locked promptly at 1800.
The walk today was one I put together myself when looking for suitable linear walks in the area.
The walk today was one I put together myself when looking for suitable linear walks in the area.
From the Car Park entrance the route exits via a path at the eastern perimeter
After an initial climb through woodland the route reaches a junction. We would be heading through the gate to the right in the direction of Grinlow Tower (Solomon's Temple) - the path to the left descends gently to eventually reach Poole's Cavern.
Once through the gate the route emerges on to the open moorland of Grin Low. From here a number of paths can be taken to reach Grinlow Tower (Solomon's Temple) which can be seen in the distance.
The hollows and hillocks seen on the moorland are the remains of 17th & 18th century lime burning kilns and spoil heaps.
The hollows and hillocks seen on the moorland are the remains of 17th & 18th century lime burning kilns and spoil heaps.
Looking down to Buxton from Grin Low
Grinlow Tower - also known as Solomon's Temple (both names are annotated on the OS Map)
This Grade II listed building was originally built in 1896 by public subscription to replace a roughly built shelter that had been on the site previously. It is thought that the original building was paid for by the Duke of Devonshire in the 1820s to give work to unemployed lime workers. It is thought the towers alternative name came from a Mr Solomon Mycock of Buxton who used to rent the land up here for farming in the early 1800s.
At the time the stone tower was being built an archaeological excavation by Micah Salt took place beneath the foundations. The dig revealed an early Bronze Age burial mound, including stone tools, pottery and at least 3 human burials which were over 5500 years old. Some of these items are on display at nearby Poole's Cavern.
This Grade II listed building was originally built in 1896 by public subscription to replace a roughly built shelter that had been on the site previously. It is thought that the original building was paid for by the Duke of Devonshire in the 1820s to give work to unemployed lime workers. It is thought the towers alternative name came from a Mr Solomon Mycock of Buxton who used to rent the land up here for farming in the early 1800s.
At the time the stone tower was being built an archaeological excavation by Micah Salt took place beneath the foundations. The dig revealed an early Bronze Age burial mound, including stone tools, pottery and at least 3 human burials which were over 5500 years old. Some of these items are on display at nearby Poole's Cavern.
With Robbie at Grinlow Tower. As he was only 6 months old at the time, Robbie was unable to do all of the walk today. Therefore he would accompany me as far as Poole's Cavern and then spend the day with Angie, joining me later at Monsal Head and again just before the finish in Bakewell.
At Grid Reference SK 05124 71889 a path leaves Grin Low via a stile to drop into Grin Low Plantation
On the other side of the stile is a memorial bench
The bench commemorates the life of the Buxton born Royal Marine 'Scotty" Taylor who made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in Afghanistan on the 30 May 2010. At age just 21, Marine Taylor was deployed with Alpha Company, 40 Commando and died at Sangin whilst on foot patrol. His Commanding Officer stated that:
"Marine Scott Taylor was everything I needed in a Bootneck; proud but not arrogant, loyal but still independent, courageous but not foolhardy, he was an outstanding marine".
The bench commemorates the life of the Buxton born Royal Marine 'Scotty" Taylor who made the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action in Afghanistan on the 30 May 2010. At age just 21, Marine Taylor was deployed with Alpha Company, 40 Commando and died at Sangin whilst on foot patrol. His Commanding Officer stated that:
"Marine Scott Taylor was everything I needed in a Bootneck; proud but not arrogant, loyal but still independent, courageous but not foolhardy, he was an outstanding marine".
Royal Marine Scotty Taylor 1989 - 2010
You will never be forgotten
You will never be forgotten
We were off to Poole's Cavern next
Heading through Grin Low Plantation with Robbie in "sniff mode"
As the path descends towards Poole's Cavern there are several wooden carvings either side of the path. The carvings are in memory of "The Lime Burners of Grin Low" who quarried and burnt lime here from the 17th century onwards. The high quality limestone was quarried, crushed by hand and then burned using wood or locally mined coal to produce Lime (Calcium Hydroxide). The produced lime was used in agriculture as a pesticide and to improve the soil, lime mortar and leather tanning. Some of the lime heaps that formed a hard crust were hollowed out to provide rough dwelling caves for the lime burners families.
Limestone quarrying continued on the south side of Grin Low until 1972
Limestone quarrying continued on the south side of Grin Low until 1972
The entrance to Poole's Cavern - we would have breakfast here then Angie & Robbie would go back to the Caravan and meet me later at Monsal Head
Known as the first "Wonder of the Peak", this great carboniferous limestone cavern is one of the finest show caves in England and boasts many strange and wondrous formations, sculpted over millions of years. Mary Queen of Scots is said to have explored it and people have been visiting ever since. Evidence of prehistoric life, from the Neolithic and early Bronze ages has been found. Romano-British finds also point to this area being farmed and populated and the cavern seems to have been the centre for bronze work in the area. The cavern is maintained and operated by Buxton Civic Association, benefits from a state of the art LED lighting system highlighting the delicate crystal formations and creating a wonderful effect when the 300ft main chamber is fully illuminated. The lights are turned off at the end of the tour in order for visitors to experience total darkness.
A link to the Poole's Cavern website is here
Known as the first "Wonder of the Peak", this great carboniferous limestone cavern is one of the finest show caves in England and boasts many strange and wondrous formations, sculpted over millions of years. Mary Queen of Scots is said to have explored it and people have been visiting ever since. Evidence of prehistoric life, from the Neolithic and early Bronze ages has been found. Romano-British finds also point to this area being farmed and populated and the cavern seems to have been the centre for bronze work in the area. The cavern is maintained and operated by Buxton Civic Association, benefits from a state of the art LED lighting system highlighting the delicate crystal formations and creating a wonderful effect when the 300ft main chamber is fully illuminated. The lights are turned off at the end of the tour in order for visitors to experience total darkness.
A link to the Poole's Cavern website is here
From Poole's Cavern I headed along the road towards Buxton and after a 1/4 of a mile turned off to the right to enter the Buxton Community School Playing Field
Emerging from the playing field, the route heads south along the A515 for 350 yards then turns off to the left on to Dukes Drive
150 yards along Dukes Drive I turned off to the right on to a Public Bridleway towards the Dukes Drive Viaduct
I was now on the route of The Midshires Way which is a long-distance footpath and bridleway that runs for 230 miles (370 km) from the Chiltern Hills from near Bledlow in Buckinghamshire, through the Midlands counties of Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire finishing at Stockport, Greater Manchester. It also links several other long-distance walking routes or trackways including The Ridgeway, the Pennine Bridleway and the Trans Pennine Trail. The route was opened in 1994 as a collaboration between numerous Local Authorities and user groups. It is intended as a multi-user trail but there are places where the recommended route for walkers differs from the route for horse riders and cyclists.
I was now on the route of The Midshires Way which is a long-distance footpath and bridleway that runs for 230 miles (370 km) from the Chiltern Hills from near Bledlow in Buckinghamshire, through the Midlands counties of Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire finishing at Stockport, Greater Manchester. It also links several other long-distance walking routes or trackways including The Ridgeway, the Pennine Bridleway and the Trans Pennine Trail. The route was opened in 1994 as a collaboration between numerous Local Authorities and user groups. It is intended as a multi-user trail but there are places where the recommended route for walkers differs from the route for horse riders and cyclists.
The Dukes Drive Railway Viaduct
The viaduct is a magnificent example of Victorian engineering, is built of gritstone and is 176 yards long. It has 13 arches and a 36ft span and was built as part of the Buxton and High Peak Junction Railway.
The viaduct is a magnificent example of Victorian engineering, is built of gritstone and is 176 yards long. It has 13 arches and a 36ft span and was built as part of the Buxton and High Peak Junction Railway.
The route passes above Lime Tree Caravan Park
Approaching Staden, I passed this furry little chap having a snooze - he let me past without so much as a look
The route continues on through sleepy Staden passing the turn off for the Manor
Leaving Staden the route passed through several large fields towards Cowdale - the path runs either side of the hedge
Cowdale - extremely sleepy here
A few yards after turning into Cowdale I left the village via a stone stile on the left
Passing through lush green fields towards King Sterndale
The Church of Christ Church, King Sterndale
Christ Church King Sterndale was built in 1863 to serve the villages of King Sterndale, Cowdale and Staden in the Parish of Buxton. Today the church welcomes many visitors from Buxton and surrounding areas who like to worship in this beautiful historic country church. The church is deceptively large inside, seating up to 100 people.
Christ Church King Sterndale was built in 1863 to serve the villages of King Sterndale, Cowdale and Staden in the Parish of Buxton. Today the church welcomes many visitors from Buxton and surrounding areas who like to worship in this beautiful historic country church. The church is deceptively large inside, seating up to 100 people.
Having visited the church I crossed the road to continue the route via a walled track
After passing through a couple of small fields I started my descent into Deep Dale
The descent into Deep Dale is via a steep path that switches back on itself to reach the valley floor
The valley floor in Deep Dale which is considered to be a superb example of a typical Peak District dry limestone dale
At Grid Reference SK 10027 71940 a path slants uphill to leave the dale and head up to Churn Hole. This is a diversion path not marked on the OS Map and is due to the extensive works going on further up the dale.
Looking back down into Deep Dale
The extensive groundworks at the northern end of Deep Dale - the display board below explains why this is happening
The route exits Deep Dale to the east of Topley Pike Quarry to cross the A6 into Wyedale
Wyedale (or Wye Dale) is a scenic limestone valley and nature reserve and is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient woodlands, and the sparkling River Wye
From Wyedale Car Park the route joins a bridleway that leads to the start of The Monsal Trail
The bridleway passes under several old railway viaducts that span the River Wye
At Grid Reference SK 11159 72599 the path splits - it was here I took the right hand fork which leads to the start of The Monsal Trail
Or in my case the start
The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free route for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through spectacular limestone dales with incredible views from places like the iconic Headstone Viaduct which is the classic view from Monsal Head. The trail is 8.5 miles long, stretching at its furthest points between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road in Bakewell, with lots of access points connecting to additional footpaths and bridleways. The route is near to Great Longstone, Little Longstone, Cressbrook Mill, Litton Mill and Tideswell Dale. The route follows the former Manchester to London Midland Railway line which closed in the late 1960s.
The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free route for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through spectacular limestone dales with incredible views from places like the iconic Headstone Viaduct which is the classic view from Monsal Head. The trail is 8.5 miles long, stretching at its furthest points between Blackwell Mill in Chee Dale and Coombs Road in Bakewell, with lots of access points connecting to additional footpaths and bridleways. The route is near to Great Longstone, Little Longstone, Cressbrook Mill, Litton Mill and Tideswell Dale. The route follows the former Manchester to London Midland Railway line which closed in the late 1960s.
Blackwell Mill, the start (or end) of The Monsal Trail
There was a railway station once here that was variously called Blackwell Mill or Blackwell Mill Halt. It was long enough only for one carriage and for many years it was the smallest passenger station on British Railways. It consisted of two short platforms with no buildings apart from a small shelter. The station was last used in June 1966 and officially closed in 1967. The halt was for the railway workers who lived in the eight still-occupied terraced cottages nearby in the valley.
There was a railway station once here that was variously called Blackwell Mill or Blackwell Mill Halt. It was long enough only for one carriage and for many years it was the smallest passenger station on British Railways. It consisted of two short platforms with no buildings apart from a small shelter. The station was last used in June 1966 and officially closed in 1967. The halt was for the railway workers who lived in the eight still-occupied terraced cottages nearby in the valley.
Signposts aplenty however it would be extremely difficult to lose ones way on the route from here - I was now entering Chee Dale which is an impressive limestone gorge. The railway line continued through Chee Dale which meant the cutting of three tunnels (Chee Tor Numbers 1 & 2 and the Rusher Cutting Tunnel). The line through here was incredibly difficult to construct therefore extremely expensive mainly due to having to go round the base of Chee Tor.
The impressive carboniferous limestone crags of Chee Dale tower above me
Crossing the railway viaduct as I near the Rusher Cutting Tunnel
Entering the Rusher Cutting Tunnel - at 121 yards quite short therefore no requirement for my head torch. This was the first of six tunnels I would be passing through today. The 6 tunnels were only made available for the public to pass through safely as recently as 2011.
Passing through the 94 yards long Chee Tor No2 Tunnel with No1 a little further on
Entering Chee Tor No1 Tunnel with the obligatory daft Health & Safety obsessed warning sign for thick people. No 1 Tunnel is 401 yards long and is lit until dusk.
I had the tunnel all to myself today which made for better photography
This was the only train I saw today
Oy! No tittering at the back if you don't mind!
The former Millers Dale Station
The station opened in 1863 and finally closed in 1967. The station is now a large Car Park for the Monsal Trail and the station buildings house a cafe & visitor information point.
The station opened in 1863 and finally closed in 1967. The station is now a large Car Park for the Monsal Trail and the station buildings house a cafe & visitor information point.
Just off path is The Angler's Rest - I thought about popping in for a swift half but just couldn't be arsed
Looking across to Ravenstor - a large bastion of overhanging limestone renowned for its intensely technical, hard climbing routes including the historic "Hubble". It is a National Trust site, not for beginners, offering powerful, short, and often polished routes, primarily functioning as a challenging winter or dry-day venue.
Litton Mill
Today, Litton Mill is a large building divided into attractive apartments set in tranquil surroundings beside the River Wye. However, 250 years ago it was a very different picture – a failing cotton mill with a brutal reputation for exploiting and ill-treating orphan children forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions. By 1828 the mill was in ruins and a fire in 1874 completely destroyed what remained. In 1893 Matthew Dickie purchased and rebuilt the mill to manufacture nylon yarn for hosiery and in 1934 the mill was sold to Anglo-French Silk Mills to produce artificial silk and man-made fibres. It changed hands yet again in 1963 and made textured yarns until finally closing its doors in 1986. It then lay derelict until it was converted into apartments in 2003.
Today, Litton Mill is a large building divided into attractive apartments set in tranquil surroundings beside the River Wye. However, 250 years ago it was a very different picture – a failing cotton mill with a brutal reputation for exploiting and ill-treating orphan children forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions. By 1828 the mill was in ruins and a fire in 1874 completely destroyed what remained. In 1893 Matthew Dickie purchased and rebuilt the mill to manufacture nylon yarn for hosiery and in 1934 the mill was sold to Anglo-French Silk Mills to produce artificial silk and man-made fibres. It changed hands yet again in 1963 and made textured yarns until finally closing its doors in 1986. It then lay derelict until it was converted into apartments in 2003.
Tunnel No4, the 515 yard Litton Tunnel
The delightfully named Water-cum-Jolly Dale
Entering Tunnel No5 - Cressbrook which is 471 yards long and thankfully lit
Cressbrook Mill from near Monsal Dale Station
The original mill was built in 1779 by Sir Richard Arkwright. Behind the mill are the apprentices cottages which were built to house orphan children brought from the cities to work in the mill. During the 19th Century the mill was in its heyday making high quality cotton for the lace making industry. The mill ceased spinning in 1965. The Georgian building seen today at the very front was an extension built around 1814. The mill has now been renovated into private apartments.
The original mill was built in 1779 by Sir Richard Arkwright. Behind the mill are the apprentices cottages which were built to house orphan children brought from the cities to work in the mill. During the 19th Century the mill was in its heyday making high quality cotton for the lace making industry. The mill ceased spinning in 1965. The Georgian building seen today at the very front was an extension built around 1814. The mill has now been renovated into private apartments.
The platform of Monsal Dale Station
The station served the villages of Upperdale and Cressbrook and was opened in 1866 by the Midland Railway on its line from Rowsley, extending the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway. The original intention was merely to have a goods depot to serve the nearby Cressbrook Mill, to be called Cressbrook or Cressbrook Sidings; however, a passenger station would also serve the villages of Upperdale and Cressbrook. The down line and platform was built on a shelf carved in the rock face, while the up was built on wooden trestles over the hillside. The station closed to regular passenger traffic in 1959 but continued to be used by occasional ramblers' specials and excursions until April 1961; trains continued to pass through the station until 1968 when the line was closed.
The station served the villages of Upperdale and Cressbrook and was opened in 1866 by the Midland Railway on its line from Rowsley, extending the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway. The original intention was merely to have a goods depot to serve the nearby Cressbrook Mill, to be called Cressbrook or Cressbrook Sidings; however, a passenger station would also serve the villages of Upperdale and Cressbrook. The down line and platform was built on a shelf carved in the rock face, while the up was built on wooden trestles over the hillside. The station closed to regular passenger traffic in 1959 but continued to be used by occasional ramblers' specials and excursions until April 1961; trains continued to pass through the station until 1968 when the line was closed.
Yes it sure is
As I neared Monsal Head the trail became busier with horses, bikes and walkers. This chap was very friendly, particularly to the youngsters who all wanted to say hello to him.
Looking down into Monsal Dale from the Headstone Viaduct
Crossing the Headstone Viaduct - once crossed, I would leave the trail temporarily and head to the left climbing steeply uphill to Monsal Head in order to meet Angie & Robbie for a drink at the hotel of the same name.
The Viaduct was built by the Midland Railway over the River Wye. The bridge is 300 feet (91 m) long and has five 50-foot span arches, some 70 feet high at the centre. Initially, some slippage occurred, and remedial work was carried out in 1907–08. Whilst considered elegant today, with Grade II listed status being assigned to it in 1970, when it was built in 1863 it was seen as destroying the beauty of the dale. John Ruskin, considered to be Britain's leading cultural critic at the time, harshly criticised the building of the railway and stated:
"There was a rocky valley between Buxton and Bakewell, once upon a time, divine as the Vale of Tempe... You Enterprised a Railroad through the valley – you blasted its rocks away, heaped thousands of tons of shale into its lovely stream. The valley is gone, and the Gods with it; and now, every fool in Buxton can be in Bakewell in half an hour, and every fool in Bakewell at Buxton; which you think a lucrative process of exchange – you Fools everywhere."
The Viaduct was built by the Midland Railway over the River Wye. The bridge is 300 feet (91 m) long and has five 50-foot span arches, some 70 feet high at the centre. Initially, some slippage occurred, and remedial work was carried out in 1907–08. Whilst considered elegant today, with Grade II listed status being assigned to it in 1970, when it was built in 1863 it was seen as destroying the beauty of the dale. John Ruskin, considered to be Britain's leading cultural critic at the time, harshly criticised the building of the railway and stated:
"There was a rocky valley between Buxton and Bakewell, once upon a time, divine as the Vale of Tempe... You Enterprised a Railroad through the valley – you blasted its rocks away, heaped thousands of tons of shale into its lovely stream. The valley is gone, and the Gods with it; and now, every fool in Buxton can be in Bakewell in half an hour, and every fool in Bakewell at Buxton; which you think a lucrative process of exchange – you Fools everywhere."
Should you wish to break your journey and enjoy a refreshing pint of foaming ale at The Monsal Head Hotel then the path is to the left near the entrance to the Headstone Tunnel - it is steep mind!
The classic view from Monsal Head into Monsal Dale and the Headstone Viaduct
Here we are - time for a Beer but I need to find Angie and the Furry Ginger Ninja
Here he is - have you missed me Robbie??
Drinkies over with, Angie would now drive to Bakewell and meet me at the end of the trail at Coombs Road - meanwhile I headed through the extremely well lit 533 yard Headstone Tunnel
Arriving at what once was Great Longstone Station which opened in 1863
The old station house at Great Longstone Station - now a private home
The route passes a path that leads to the Thornbridge Estate. The country house has self styled itself as "the quirkiest stately home in the UK" and as well as Quackers Cafe is home to the "Love Locker". The Love Locks used to be sited on the Weir Bridge at Bakewell but were removed before repair work to the bridge could be undertaken.
Approaching Hassop Station
Hassop Station was opened in 1862 and was built for the benefit of the Duke of Devonshire of Chatsworth House who, having previously declined to allow the railway to pass over the easier terrain of his lands, belatedly saw its possible benefit. Indeed, for a while it was renamed "Hassop for Chatsworth" however, in this sparsely populated area it saw little patronage and closed in 1942. Its greatest use was as a goods yard, which closed in 1964. The station building has since been renovated by Hassop Station Ltd and is now a family friendly cafe, with outdoor covered seating, play area, book shop, gift shop and cycle hire facility.
Hassop Station was opened in 1862 and was built for the benefit of the Duke of Devonshire of Chatsworth House who, having previously declined to allow the railway to pass over the easier terrain of his lands, belatedly saw its possible benefit. Indeed, for a while it was renamed "Hassop for Chatsworth" however, in this sparsely populated area it saw little patronage and closed in 1942. Its greatest use was as a goods yard, which closed in 1964. The station building has since been renovated by Hassop Station Ltd and is now a family friendly cafe, with outdoor covered seating, play area, book shop, gift shop and cycle hire facility.
Nothing to see here - just a Delorean Car on top of a shipping container
The former station at Bakewell
Built in 1862 and closed in 1967 - the station was the nearest station to Haddon Hall, it was built in a grand style as the local station for The Duke of Rutland over whose land the railway line passed. During the nationalisation of Britain's railways in 1948, the station was passed on to the London Midland Region of British Railways and, despite escaping the Beeching Axe, the station was closed when passenger services ceased on 6 March 1967. Trains continued to pass through the station until 1968, when the line was closed.
Built in 1862 and closed in 1967 - the station was the nearest station to Haddon Hall, it was built in a grand style as the local station for The Duke of Rutland over whose land the railway line passed. During the nationalisation of Britain's railways in 1948, the station was passed on to the London Midland Region of British Railways and, despite escaping the Beeching Axe, the station was closed when passenger services ceased on 6 March 1967. Trains continued to pass through the station until 1968, when the line was closed.
Approaching Coombs Road and I had a visitor come to greet me (Click Play to view)
I think Robbie was pleased to see me
With Robbie at the end of the Monsal Trail at Coombs Road
The Coombs Road sits below the end of the trail and following it leads back to Bakewell
The Drinking Fountain at Castle Hill, Bakewell
Entering Bakewell, the route passes by the site of the Rutland Works. The sawmill was run by R Smith & Son Timber Merchants until it closed in 1970. The water driven turbine pictured is sited outside the works and was used as the source of power for the belt driven circular saws.
Crossing the Weir Bridge over the River Wye into Bakewell
The weir on the River Wye at Bakewell - this really is a lovely spot
Remember - it's not a Bakewell Tart, it's a Bakewell Pudding. Calling it a tart will get you shot around these parts.
The War Memorial in Bakewell which sits on a roundabout in front of The Rutland Arms Hotel
Journeys end at The Castle Inn, Bakewell where the three of us had a very pleasant Dinner before driving back to Buxton