🗺️ The route
Free to viewIf you’re looking for a walk with a bit of everything then this circular walk starting at Magpie Mine, going through Ashford in the water and onto the Monsal Dale might be the one. You’ll get amazing views, walk through an idyllic Derbyshire village, through pretty woodland and along riverside paths.
What to expect
On this walk you’ll get amazing views, walk through one of our favourite Peak District villages and get high above the Monsal trail. This route can be muddy in places which is why we’ve said May to September is the best time to do this one. You’ll walk past one of the most powerful weirs in the area and follow the river downstream on woodland paths.
Getting there & parking
Parking is at Magpie mine layby, postcode DE45 1QU although spaces are very limited. There is also pay & display parking at Monsal Head and Ashford in the Water.
Good to know
Yes, along the route.
On lead only.
Expect woodland paths, riverside, steep climbs underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 7.9 Miles
- 3-4 Hours
- Moderate
This is a beautiful circular route starting at Magpie Mine and heading through fields before getting to an amazing viewpoint overlooking Ashford in the Water. From here you’ll head into the village before going up and across the other side towards Monsal Dale. You’ll get an amazing view down onto the Monsal trail and river below before heading through the woods and coming out by the very powerful weir. The path then takes you through woodland, across the road and up a steep hill towards Sheldon before making your way back to Magpie Mine and the car.
- Monsal Head Viaduct
Step-by-step
- From the lay-by head towards Magpie Mine and then through the fields to the right of it towards Ashford in the Water.
- This will take you down a farm track lane, where you'll walk a short distance down a country road, cross another and then up a steep road to the viewpoint overlooking the pretty Derbyshire village.
- Head down the hill and explore the village before going up the other side and towards Monsal Dale.
- Follow this path through fields before turning left onto a farm track which will take you all the way there.
- from here you'll almost go back on yourself, through woodland before reaching the weir.
- You'll cross the river on a little footbridge at the bottom and continue through woodlands before crossing the main A6 and heading up a very steep hill towards Sheldon.
- Walk through the village and across a few fields and you'll be back where you started.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
Tips & what to bring
Good footwear and extra layers are recommended for this one, it can be windy on the tops and much cooler in the shaded valley bottom. There are shallow spots in the river just below the weir if you’re looking to have a paddle / wild swim.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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Our everyday pick We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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When the weather turns Ads wearsRevolutionRace Waterproof Jacket
Bright, fully waterproof shell for proper British weather. Ads' go-to in the orange.
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Room for a full day's food Char usesOsprey Skarab 30L
A comfortable day pack with a hydration sleeve for full days out.
