Hassop Station Monsal Trail
A vibrant hub on the Monsal Trail offering bike hire, a cafe, and direct access to scenic, traffic-free cycling and walking routes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful rides
Hassop Station Monsal Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful rides
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub on the Monsal Trail offering bike hire, a cafe, and direct access to scenic, traffic-free cycling and walking routes.
"Hassop Station is a great place to start your Monsal Trail adventure with bike hire and a lovely cafe."
Book Bikes in Advance
Secure your Monsal Trail cycle hire early, especially for weekends!
Dog-Friendly Trail
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the trail and at the cafe.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hassop Station Cafe
Hassop Station
A vibrant hub with delicious food, coffee, and a welcoming terrace. Perfect for refueling.
Monsal Trail Cycle Hire
Hassop Station
Rent bikes for a flat, scenic ride through tunnels and past old stations.
+1
Scenic Tunnels
Monsal Trail
Experience historic railway tunnels, a unique part of the Monsal Trail's charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bike Hire & Trail Access
+1Cafe & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Bikes in Advance
Secure your Monsal Trail cycle hire early, especially for weekends!
Dog-Friendly Trail
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the trail and at the cafe.
Pack a Lock
Essential if you plan to stop and explore off the bikes.
Kid-Friendly Routes
The flat, traffic-free trail is perfect for family cycling adventures.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Bikes in Advance
Secure your Monsal Trail cycle hire early, especially for weekends!
Dog-Friendly Trail
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the trail and at the cafe.
Pack a Lock
Essential if you plan to stop and explore off the bikes.
Kid-Friendly Routes
The flat, traffic-free trail is perfect for family cycling adventures.
Cafe Food Quality
Food is generally good, but some report stale pastries or slow service.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hassop Station is a popular hub on the Monsal Trail, praised for its convenient bike hire, direct trail access, and pleasant cafe atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the scenic, traffic-free cycling and walking routes. However, some reviews mention issues with food quality, pricing, and occasional service lapses at the cafe.
"Lots to see and do at Hassop Station Cafe. Right on thw Monsal trail, this ex train station building has been transformed into a hub for those undertaking outdoor bound activities in the nearby area.
Easy access, traffic free access onto the picturesque monsal trail coupled with various bike hire options aids with this.
Hassop cafe is also a solid food and drink choice in itself. There is a good eange of savoury and sweet options across the site including pizzas outside in summer. I have had various of these on numerous visits and can attest for their quality across the board.
There is a large shop attached to the cafe selling a range of items produced in the local area.
Service I have received here has always been friendly and helpful."
Robert Gray
"We stopped off at Hassop Station to break our journey home from visiting our family.
We ordered a Hassop big breakfast, which we shared between the two of us. The breakfast arrived very quickly and was piping hot. We really enjoyed the breakfast and the coffee which was also excellent.
Thank you to all the pleasant staff, which make Hassop Station a joy to stop at for a break and a special thanks to the chefs and kitchen team we don't see working behind the scenes preparing the food we enjoy.
Looking forward to stopping off again soon."
Tom Lynch
"We had a very disappointing experience at the Hassop Station Cafe. When we first arrived, we were impressed by the extensive menu after a very long walk. We ordered at the till, but the person who took our order didn’t input it correctly. After a while, we received one of our meals and patiently waited for the other. However, that one never came so I went to check on what’s going on.
They had only put through one meals despite there clearly being two of us?
Oh well, mistakes happen and I reordered the second meal. While dealing with that, my partner’s fish finger sandwich had gone stone cold. So she went to look for cutlery so we could share it (rather than make a scene and send it back).
There were none in any of the canteen style trays provided because it was quite busy, fair enough. So she asked a staff member for a knife - only to be met with an eye roll and a patronising response to look in the trays despite already doing so. It just felt like we were being an inconvenience to the staff.
Overall, we were looking forward to visiting after seeing good reviews online and on social media - we just had a disappointing experience. The food was average but expensive."
Joel Arnold
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hassop Station is easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site (fees apply). It's also a stop on the Peak Sightseer open-top bus service, making it a great car-free option.
Yes, there is parking available at Hassop Station, but it can get busy, especially on weekends. The cost is around £6 for all day.
Yes, the Peak Sightseer bus service stops at Hassop Station, offering a convenient public transport option to access the Monsal Trail.
Hassop Station is directly on the Monsal Trail, offering immediate access to the traffic-free cycle path. You can hire bikes here to start your journey.
Bakewell is a popular nearby town, famous for its tarts, and is easily accessible from the Monsal Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Monsal Trail itself is free to access. You only pay for services like bike hire or parking at Hassop Station.
Hassop Station Cafe generally has good opening hours, but it's always best to check their specific Hassop Station opening times online before your visit, especially outside of peak season.
Bike hire costs vary depending on the duration and type of bike. It's advisable to check their current pricing directly.
Absolutely! The Monsal Trail is open to personal bikes, and you don't need to hire from Hassop Station if you prefer to bring your own.
There is no entry fee for Hassop Station itself, but parking charges do apply.
🎫 🚴 Onsite Experience
Hassop Station offers Monsal Trail cycle hire, a cafe, a bookshop, and direct access to the scenic Monsal Trail for walking and cycling.
Yes, the Monsal Trail is very child-friendly. It's flat, traffic-free, and has several old railway tunnels that kids find exciting.
Definitely! The Monsal Trail is a popular walking route, offering beautiful views and a peaceful environment away from traffic.
The Monsal Trail is known for being relatively flat, as it follows an old railway line. There's a slight incline if you start from Hassop Station heading east, making the return journey easier.
The Monsal Trail stations are historic remnants of the old railway line, many of which have been repurposed. Hassop Station is a prime example, now a bustling cafe and hire centre.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers a range of savoury options, including pizzas in summer, and sweet treats. They also serve good coffee and a 'Hassop Big Breakfast'.
Some visitors find the food at Hassop Station Cafe to be average and expensive, while others praise its quality.
While Hassop Station is a main hub, there are other pubs and cafes along or near the trail, such as the Anglers Rest pub.
The menu is extensive, and while specific options aren't detailed, it's likely they cater to various dietary needs. It's best to inquire directly.
The coffee at Hassop Station Cafe is generally rated as excellent by visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The old railway tunnels, viaducts like Monsal Viaduct, and the scenic valleys offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Yes, the historic station building, the cafe terrace, and the surrounding greenery provide charming photo backdrops.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the landscape's beauty.
Yes, you can take photos inside the tunnels, but be mindful of other users and ensure you have adequate lighting.
Monsal Head offers iconic views of the viaduct and valley, making it a must-visit for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The trail's flat, traffic-free surface makes it incredibly safe and enjoyable for kids to cycle, walk, or scoot. The old railway tunnels are a particular hit with younger visitors, adding an element of adventure to the ride. Consider a shorter, out-and-back route from Hassop Station to keep little legs from getting too tired. 🚲 Cycling Enthusiasts
+1 You can hire bikes at Hassop Station or bring your own. Explore the various old stations and enjoy the picturesque Peak District scenery. +1🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
It's a great option for a relaxed day out, with the cafe at Hassop Station offering a perfect spot for a break. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Monsal Trail from Hassop Station
+1 The trail is well-maintained and passes through several old railway tunnels, which are a unique and exciting feature, especially for children. Bike hire options are plentiful, with various types of bikes available, including those with child seats. When planning your ride, consider the distance you want to cover. A popular route from Hassop Station to Litton Mill and back is about 11km, taking in three tunnels.
For a longer excursion, you could cycle further towards Bakewell or even explore routes connecting to other trails. Remember to bring a bike lock if you plan to stop and explore off your bike, as this is a common recommendation from trail users. While the trail is generally well-equipped, some visitors have noted issues with bike maintenance, such as a lack of mudguards or seats that cannot be adjusted, which can impact comfort on longer rides.
Hassop Station Cafe: A Hub for Trail Users
However, visitor experiences at the cafe can be mixed. While many praise the friendly service and quality of food, some have reported issues such as stale pastries, incorrect orders, or slow service during busy periods.
Beyond the cafe, Hassop Station also features a bookshop and is the primary location for Monsal Trail cycle hire, making it a comprehensive facility for outdoor enthusiasts.
The atmosphere can be lively, with occasional events like Morris dancing adding to the unique charm. Exploring the Monsal Trail's History
The trail features several impressive Monsal Trail stations and structures, including tunnels and viaducts, that offer a glimpse into the area's industrial past. Key historical features include the numerous railway tunnels, such as the Headstone Tunnel and Cressbrook Tunnel, which were engineering marvels of their time.
These tunnels now provide a unique cycling and walking experience, allowing visitors to traverse through the hills. The Monsal Viaduct, a striking stone structure, is another iconic landmark that showcases the grandeur of Victorian railway engineering. Understanding the history of the railway adds another layer of appreciation to the Monsal Trail. It's a testament to how old infrastructure can be repurposed for modern enjoyment, connecting people with the landscape and its heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit