Monsal trail since tunnels reopened

This entry covers the reopened trail/tunnels linking Buxton and Bakewell (nearly). I drove to Bakewell and parked on the showground/cattle market area. Cost £5.00 for 4 hours and over but is well used and therefore fairly secure. Access to the trail is from the carpark along a quiet road for about a mile then up a very steep slope to the trackbed. I would suggest parking at Hassop Station if you want easier access, but expect the car park to be busy at weekends. Once on the trackbed the trail is fairly level, theres a slight uphill gradient heading in the Buxton direction, and you will probably also be against a headwind too. Surface is good all the way with a mix of compacted limestone and tarmac, suitable for road tyres and small diameter wheels. On approaching the first tunnel you will see signs warning not to ride near the sides, this is because the path is not full width. There is a strip of ballast remaining at each side for drainage. The tunnels are lit and lights on bikes are not really required once your eyes have adjusted. Although I did turn on my front LED just to help warn of my approach to avoid a 'head on' with walkers.
Once through the first tunnel you emerge into a different landscape, the Monsal viaduct never fails to impress, but the biggest bonus of the newly opened tunnels are the views into the 'hidden valleys' which await.
There are four tunnels in all, and the splendid double viaduct near Millersdale Station. For a good photo opportunity take the short detour onto the branch which becomes the Penine Bridleway, the trackbed climbs above the Monsal trail and give a view over the trees so you can take in the limestone gorge and cliffs. The trails ends at the Wyedale car park, where you will find a small teashop at the bottom of a steep slope. After a suitable refreshment turn around and ride it in reverse benefitting from the slight downhill gradient, tailwind, and carbs from the cakes you have just eaten.
So all in all a very good ride, takes around 3 hours or longer if you stop to look at the lime kilns etc on route.
Things to consider: if you want to avoid steep access ramps park at Hassop or Millersdale stations. A mountain bike is probably best choice although a hybrid or folder will be fine, this route is also suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs.
As this is a multiuser path expect to encounter wobbly kids, groups of hardcore hikers with sticks who don't use their mirrors, dogs not tethered to their owners. Plan where you will eat/take your own and also consider the WC locations. I look forward to when the Haddon Tunnels are opened up as well, that will really make a cracking route from Darley dale to Wyedale.

regards
Rich-M