Ashford In The Water & Monsal Dale from Magpie Mine Circular Walk

If 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

The route

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.

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.

Eat & drink nearby

There are pubs, cafes and a small shop in Ashford in the water, a hotel and restaurant at Monsal head and a village pub in Sheldon.

The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Pub

The Ashford Arms is a quintessential country pub that blends traditional charm with contemporary comfort.

2 miles away 📍 Map View →

Tagg Lane Dairy, Monyash, Peak District Farm shop

Tagg Lane Dairy, home to the best ice cream in the Peak District, possibly the whole UK. A proper farm dairy treat,…

2.6 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Charleston Restaurant

The Charleston in Bakewell is a 1920's style, restaurant, cocktail, wine bar and live jazz music venue in the heart of the…

2.9 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop Cafe

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is one of the only places you can try this early 19th century recipe.

2.9 miles away 📍 Map View →

See all food and drink on the map →

Places to stay nearby

★ Featured partner · make a weekend of it

The George Hotel, Hathersage

Hotel · 9.3 miles away

Featured partner. We only ever feature places we have been to and would happily book again ourselves. Plan a weekend →

The Ashford Arms, Ashford In The water, Bakewell Hotel

A beautifully restored 17th century coaching inn in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell, with cosy boutique rooms, award-winning food and the Monsal Trail on…

2 miles away 📍 Map View →

A Charming Country Cottage Just Minutes From The Monsal Dale & Trail ✦ NewSelf-catering

Unwind at this cosy cottage on the doorstep of some of the best walks in the Peak District

3.1 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Peacock At Rowsley ✦ NewHotel

A historic 17th century luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Peak District

5.3 miles away 📍 Map View →

The Estate Rooms, Alstonefield Manor Self-catering

A private wing of a Peak District stone manor, The Estate Rooms sleep two with a king bed, a cosy living space…

8 miles away 📍 Map View →

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More walks near here

Bakewell & Chatsworth Circular Walk from Ashford in the Water

Moderate 📏 12.3 Miles ⏱ 4-5 Hours ⭐ 5

1.9 miles away View →

Monsal Dale & Monsal Weir Walk From Great Longstone

Moderate 📏 1.6 Miles ⏱ 1-2 Hours ⭐ 5

2.5 miles away View →

Lathkill & Bradford Dale Circular From Alport

Easy–Moderate 📏 8.2 Miles ⏱ 3-4 Hours ⭐ 4.7

3.5 miles away View →

See all walks →

POIs nearby

Monsal Head Viaduct A disused railway line above Monsal Dale 📍 2.5 miles away View on map → Wall Of Books Carved book shaped stones in the wall 📍 3.2 miles away View on map → Swimming Area Originally an old sheep dip fed by natural springs 📍 3.3 miles away View on map →