Introduction
Monsal Dale is one of the most beautiful spots in the Peak District, with dramatic limestone scenery, woodland paths and the River Wye winding through the valley below. Hidden down in the dale is Monsal Dale Waterfall, a wide weir where the river tumbles over the rocks.
This walk takes you from the area around Monsal Head down into the dale to see the waterfall, with plenty of beautiful scenery along the way. You’ll also get to experience some of the area’s most recognisable landmarks, including the impressive Headstone Viaduct and the historic Monsal Trail.
If you’re looking for a relatively short walk with a waterfall as its main attraction, this is a lovely route to add to your Peak District list.
In this guide, I’ll explain where to park, how to follow the route through Monsal Dale, what to expect at the waterfall and the best time to visit.
Quick Verdict of Monsal Dale Waterfall
I really enjoyed this walk and think it’s a great option if you want to combine a waterfall with some of the Peak District’s most impressive scenery. Monsal Dale itself is beautiful, and the combination of woodland, the River Wye, the viaduct and waterfall makes this much more than simply a walk to see a weir.
The waterfall is also very easy to combine with a visit to Monsal Head, making this a good choice for a shorter Peak District adventure. Just be prepared for some steep sections, particularly as you make your way back out of the dale.
Key Information
- Waterfall Height: No officially recorded height
- Waterfall Type: Man-made weir/cascade
- Starting Point: Monsal Head Hotel, Bakewell, DE45 1NL
- Parking: Free on-street parking on Butts Road, Bakewell | what3words norms.remarks.snipe
- Public Transport: Bus available from Bakewell and Castleton to the start of the walk
- Walk: 3 miles/4.8 km circular route
- Time: 15 minutes to waterfall. Allow 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Dogs: Yes
- Swimming: Yes – dependent on conditions
- Toilets: Yes
Where to Park for Monsal Dale Waterfall
We parked on Butts Road, where there is free roadside parking. We were able to find a space when we visited in March, although spaces here are limited, so I wouldn’t rely on being able to park on the road during busy periods.
If you can’t find a space on Butts Road, there is a larger car park at Monsal Head, just a short distance away. The Monsal Head car park currently costs £6.60 for all day parking, with shorter stays available if you don’t need to park for the whole day.
There is also a bus stop at the top of Butts Road, right by the start of the walk, making this a good option if you don’t want to drive. The 173 bus runs between Bakewell and Castleton and stops at Monsal Head.
Tip: Save the parking location and route directions on your phone, or take a printed copy with you, as phone signal can be spotty.
Monsal Dale Waterfall Walk
From the parking area, head up to the right of the Monsal Head Hotel until you reach the viewpoint overlooking the viaduct and Monsal Dale. Take a moment to enjoy the view before following the path to the left, signposted for Monsal Dale.
Continue downhill along the path through the woodland. Good footwear is essential as the path can be muddy and rocky with tree roots in places.
You will hear the waterfall before you see it, and after passing through a gate, you will reach the first viewpoint beside the waterfall.
Continue along the path until you reach a small bridge. Cross the bridge, turn right and follow the path to reach the opposite side of the waterfall, giving you a different view of the weir.
There is plenty of grass around this area, making it a lovely spot to stop for a picnic while enjoying the waterfall and surrounding scenery.
Once you have finished at the waterfall, you can either retrace your steps for a shorter walk or continue along the path through another gate and across the grassy area towards the viaduct.
Just before reaching the viaduct, take the steep uphill path to the left. As you can see from this picture, the path up here was very rocky, so be mindful if attempting this route with children.
At the top, turn right and follow the former railway track across the Viaduct where you can stop and admire the route you have just taken.
Continue along the track and on through the Headstone Tunnel, which is 487 metres long.
Continue along the trail until you reach a sign for Little Longstone pointing to the left.
Go through the gate and turn left, following the path across the fields. Continue through the next few gates until you reach the final gate, where you will arrive in Little Longstone.
Once in the village, follow the sign for Monsal Head, which points to the left. Continue along the road until you reach the top, where you will find the parking area.
When we visited, the fields were quite boggy in places, particularly on the section just before reaching Little Longstone. Make sure you wear suitable footwear, especially if the weather has been wet.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this route is not suitable for wheelchairs due to the steep paths along the route.
Monsal Dale Waterfall
Monsal Dale Waterfall is actually a weir on the River Wye rather than a natural waterfall, but it is the main attraction of this walk and the reason for heading down into Monsal Dale.
The weir stretches across the river, with the water dropping over the curved stone structure in a broad cascade. Its appearance can vary considerably depending on the weather and recent rainfall, and when we visited, the river was flowing particularly strongly. The amount of water coming over the weir made it much more impressive, with the river rushing over the edge and continuing through the dale below.
We were also lucky enough to have a rainbow forming above the waterfall when we arrived. With the strong flow of water and the rainbow against the backdrop of Monsal Dale, it made for a particularly impressive view and was definitely the highlight of the walk.
The waterfall is also interesting because of the way it sits within the wider landscape. Rather than being tucked away in a small woodland setting, it is surrounded by the open valley of Monsal Dale, with the River Wye continuing through the valley and the steep sides of the dale rising around it.
If you are planning to visit Monsal Dale Waterfall, I would recommend checking the weather beforehand. A period of rainfall can make a noticeable difference to the flow over the weir, and we found that the strong conditions on the day of our visit really added to the experience.
Swimming at Monsal Dale Waterfall
Monsal Dale Waterfall is on the River Wye, and the river is certainly deep enough in places for swimming. However, conditions can vary significantly depending on the weather and river levels.
When we visited, the river was flowing far too strongly for swimming to be safe. The flow over the weir was particularly powerful, and the current in the river was much too strong for me to feel comfortable getting in.
Instead, this is a beautiful spot to stop for a picnic. There is plenty of grass around the river where you can sit and enjoy the views, making it a lovely place to take a break and spend some time by the water.
If you are considering swimming here, make sure you assess the conditions carefully on the day rather than assuming the river is safe simply because it is deep enough. River conditions can change quickly, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall, and the weir and strong currents add additional hazards.
If you’re considering swimming here, please read my Wild Swimming at Waterfalls guide before getting in. It covers some of the risks to consider and practical advice for staying safe around natural swimming spots.
Interesting Facts and Wildlife
There is much more to Monsal Dale than the waterfall, with the surrounding landscape containing some fascinating reminders of its railway history.
One of the most recognisable landmarks is Headstone Viaduct, which carries the former railway line high above the River Wye. The five-arched viaduct was built between 1862 and 1863 and is around 300 feet long and 70 feet high. It was part of the Midland Railway’s Manchester to London line, which operated through Monsal Dale for more than 100 years before the railway closed in 1968.
The viaduct itself was controversial when it was built. The railway dramatically changed the landscape of the Upper Wye Valley and was strongly criticised by the Victorian writer and conservationist John Ruskin. Today, however, Headstone Viaduct has become one of the most famous features of Monsal Dale and an important part of the area’s landscape.
The railway line is now the Monsal Trail, a popular route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. One of the most interesting parts of the trail is Headstone Tunnel, which you pass through on this walk. The tunnel is 487 metres long and was one of four former railway tunnels reopened to the public in 2011, allowing visitors to follow the original railway route through the dale.
There is plenty of wildlife to look out for too. The River Wye attracts water birds, while the surrounding woodland, grassland and limestone countryside provide habitats for a wide range of species. Keep an eye out for birds along the river and woodland edges, as well as smaller wildlife around the paths and fields.
The combination of the River Wye, limestone scenery, wildlife and the impressive remains of the former railway makes Monsal Dale a particularly interesting area to explore, with plenty to see beyond the waterfall itself.
Facilities and Nearby Attractions
There are public toilets at the Monsal Head car park, which are open year-round and free to use.
Once you head down into Monsal Dale, the route is much more rural, so it is worth taking anything you may need with you.
There is plenty to see nearby if you want to make more of your visit. Headstone Viaduct is one of the area’s most famous landmarks and forms part of the Monsal Trail, while the trail itself gives you the opportunity to explore the former railway route through the dale and its historic tunnels. Monsal Head is also worth spending some time at, particularly for its famous viewpoint over the viaduct and valley.
Little Longstone is close by and makes a pleasant place to explore around the start and finish of the walk. If you have more time, the popular market town of Bakewell is also within easy reach and is a good option for combining the walk with a visit to the town, the River Wye and its famous Bakewell treats.
Best Time to Visit Monsal Dale Waterfall
I visited Monsal Dale Waterfall in March and thought it was a really good time to do the walk. The weather was cool but comfortable for walking, and there was plenty of water in the River Wye. On the day we went, the river was flowing particularly strongly over the weir, which made the waterfall much more impressive. We even had a rainbow appear above it, which was a real bonus.
I think spring and autumn would be my preferred times to visit Monsal Dale. In spring, the woodland is beginning to come back to life and the countryside has a fresh feel to it, while autumn would be particularly beautiful with the changing colours around the dale. Both seasons should also feel more comfortable for walking than the height of summer, when the area can get busy.
Summer would still be a lovely time to visit, particularly if you want warmer weather and longer daylight hours. However, Monsal Head and the Monsal Trail are popular, so I would expect it to be much busier than when we visited in March.
Winter has its own appeal, particularly after rainfall when the river can be running strongly, but the paths can become muddy and slippery. Whichever time of year you choose, I would check the weather before setting off, particularly if you are hoping to see the waterfall with a good flow.
Responsible Waterfall Visiting and Safety
Please visit waterfalls responsibly.
Waterfalls can be beautiful places to explore, but they can also be unpredictable. Rocks, paths and viewing areas can become extremely slippery, especially after wet weather. Water levels and river conditions can change quickly, so always use common sense and take extra care around fast flowing water, steep drops and uneven ground.
Please follow the Countryside Code, leave no trace of your visit and take all litter home with you. Respect local communities, livestock, wildlife and any access restrictions that may be in place.
Before visiting, check local conditions and remember that you are responsible for your own safety.
I’ve put together a collection of practical resources to help you plan and enjoy your waterfall trips. From what to pack and how to find new waterfalls to wild swimming safety, you can browse all of my waterfall resources here.
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I do my best to keep every waterfall guide up to date, but things can change. Car parks close, paths get diverted, access arrangements change and facilities sometimes disappear.
If you’ve recently visited this waterfall and spotted any changes, please let me know. Whether it’s updated parking information, a damaged footpath, new access restrictions or anything else that could help future visitors, I’d love to hear from you.
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