28 Nov 09 - Monsal Trail Tunnels to re-open (Reopened May 2011)

While Network Rail appears to have cooled on the idea of reopening the Matlock-Buxton line as a through freight link, it looks as if public access will be available to more of the route with the authorisation of a £3.785 million project reopening 4 closed railway tunnels on the route.

The Peak Park Authority has approved the project to allow public access to the tunnels (Headstone, Cressbrook, Litton & Chee Tor No.1) for walking, cycling & horse riding.

This will link the four separate Monsal Trail sections from Bakewell-Great Longstone, Monsal Dale, Millers Dale and Cheedale - Blackwell Mill as a through route.

Currently the only way to experience this through route is to join one of the Peak Park guided walks when the tunnels are specially opened. Photographs above show a 2009 group entering Litton Tunnel, crossing Millers Dale Viaduct & leaving Rusher Cutting Tunnel (currently open) at the end of the trail. 

                                        UPDATE
Following refurbishment, the tunnels were officially re-opened on 25th May 2011. More details on the Peak District National Park website.