Bakewell Station (Monsal Trail) Car Park - Peak District NP

Bakewell Station (Monsal Trail) Car Park offers a convenient and secure starting point for your Peak District National Park adventure. Located just a five-minute walk from the heart of Bakewell, this 25-space facility provides direct, level access onto the iconic Monsal Trail, making it the perfect choice for walkers, cyclists, and families looking to explore the stunning Derbyshire countryside. Operated by the Peak District National Park Authority, every parking fee you pay is reinvested directly back into the care and protection of the local landscape and the visitor facilities that make this area so special.

The car park is situated within the beautifully restored grounds of the old Bakewell railway station, adding a touch of heritage to your visit. Open 24 hours a day, it provides a reliable base whether you're embarking on an early morning trail run or planning a full day of sightseeing. With dedicated disabled bays and a card-only payment system, the site is designed to be accessible and straightforward, ensuring you can quickly transition from your vehicle to the trail.

Monsal Trail Gateway

As a dedicated trailhead facility, this car park is the undisputed gateway to one of the Peak District's most celebrated routes. The Monsal Trail stretches for 8.5 miles between Bakewell and Blackwell Mill, tracing the path of the former Midland Railway line. From this parking location, you join the trail without any road crossings or steep climbs, immediately immersing yourself in a traffic-free corridor of limestone dales, historic tunnels, and breathtaking viaduct views.

This direct link is a major advantage for visitors. You can unload bikes, adjust walking poles, and get straight onto the well-surfaced path. The trail accommodates all fitness levels, from families with pushchairs to serious cyclists covering the full 17-mile round trip to Chee Dale and back. The four re-lit railway tunnels, including the 487-meter Headstone Tunnel, are a unique highlight, and visitor favorites like the Monsal Viaduct are within easy reach.

Cycling and Walking Access

• Immediate access: Roll from your parking bay onto the trail with zero road interaction.
• Miles without Stiles: The entire Monsal Trail is a flagship 'Miles without Stiles' route, offering a flat, hard surface suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and buggies.
• Extended routes: Use this car park as the hub for a 26-kilometer (16-mile) out-and-back ride through tunnels and over viaducts to the dramatic Chee Dale limestone gorge.
• Walking options: Take a short, scenic stroll to the viaduct viewpoint or tackle a longer linear walk along the River Wye, knowing the car park is right there for your return.

Parking Facilities & Payment

We have designed the parking experience here to be simple and efficient so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors. The site is compact yet well-organized, specifically tailored for day visitors. As a Peak District National Park Authority facility, it benefits from reinvested fees that directly support your visit, maintaining the trail, bridges, and tunnel features you come to experience.

The car park operates a card-only Pay and Display system, ensuring a quick and secure transaction. We understand that rural connectivity can be a challenge, which is why all our car parks, including this one offer a cashless payment app alternative. Simply download the highly-rated RingGo app before your journey, register your vehicle details, and pay for your parking session digitally in seconds using location code 51702. This means no scrambling for coins and the flexibility to extend your parking duration remotely if you decide to extend your exploration.

Site-Specific Details

• Total Spaces: 25, including 2 clearly demarked disabled parking bays close to the trail entrance.
• Payment Methods: Card payments at the machine and RingGo cashless payments via mobile app (Location Code 51702).
• Vehicle Restrictions: Not suitable for motorhomes or larger vehicles. Standard cars and smaller campervans only. No height restriction barriers, but enforcement applies if vehicles occupy multiple bays without payment for each.
• Prohibitions: Overnight parking and camping are strictly prohibited and subject to patrols and enforcement.

Why Visitors Choose This Location

The decision by hundreds of reviewers to rate this car park 4.4 stars reflects its combination of a prime geographic position and well-managed facilities. Unlike simply finding a roadside pull-off, choosing this official car park actively contributes to the preservation of the National Park. Your parking fee is not just a transaction; it's an investment in protecting delicate habitats, maintaining historic structures, and reducing roadside congestion that can endanger local wildlife, farm vehicles, and emergency services.

Local guides and repeat visitors consistently highlight three key advantages. The first is the sheer convenience of the location—the walk into Bakewell's town center for a post-hike meal, Bakewell pudding, or a visit to the farmers' market takes just minutes. The second is the peace of mind from parking in a secure, official area rather than a lay-by. The third is the trail quality; the grade from this point is gentle, making it accessible for a relaxed day out rather than an extreme physical challenge, while still delivering that classic, satisfying Peak District scenery.

Proximity to Bakewell Town

• Shopping and supplies: A five-minute flat walk to the Bakewell Bridge area leads directly into the town's historic streets lined with independent shops, bakeries, and outdoor gear outlets.
• Dining and refreshments: After a ride or walk, enjoy iconic Bakewell pudding and tart in a traditional tearoom, or choose from numerous country pubs and cafes.
• Heritage and culture: Visit the Old House Museum, the magnificent All Saints Church, or simply enjoy the riverbank views along the River Wye, all within an easy stroll of your parking spot.

Planning Your Journey

Ensuring a smooth arrival sets the tone for a fantastic day out. The car park's address is Bakewell DE45 1GE, and it is situated at the top of Station Road, just near the Bakewell Bridge. Finding it is straightforward, but we recommend using the What3Words location code typist.echo.available for pinpoint navigation that leads you directly to the entrance, avoiding the narrow lanes unsuitable for through traffic.

With 25 spaces, the car park is small and can fill quickly on weekends, bank holidays, and during peak holiday seasons. Arriving early in the morning, especially on a sunny Saturday, is the best way to guarantee a space. If you do arrive and find it full, a short drive will take you to alternative Peak District National Park Authority facilities or nearby Derbyshire Dales District Council car parks in the town center, such as Granby Road or Agricultural Business Centre, though these may involve a steeper walk or a busy road crossing to connect to the trail.

Local Travel Tips

• Grid reference: For traditional navigation, set your GPS to SK 2224 6898.
• Arrival time: Aim to park before 10:00 AM on weekends and public holidays to reliably secure a space.
• App preparation: Download and set up the RingGo app before you travel. Mobile reception in the car park is generally good, but having the app preloaded is a useful backup.
• Public transport: If the car park is full, Bakewell town center is served by bus, providing an alternative arrival point if you are staying locally.

Supporting the Peak District

Every time you use this car park, you become a partner in the stewardship of one of the world's most special landscapes. The Peak District National Park Authority operates 44 car parks like this one, with nearly 2,000 spaces across the national park. The income generated from the Pay and Display machines is ring-fenced for reinvestment. This means your day-trip directly funds the maintenance teams who keep the Monsal Trail tunnels lit and safe, the rangers who patrol the area and offer advice, and the conservation projects that protect the wildflower-rich dales and limestone habitats.

For frequent visitors to the area, an annual or weekly parking permit offers excellent value and convenience. These permits, marked with the distinctive Peak District National Park millstone logo, are valid across all authority-owned car parks, allowing you to explore the wider network without having to pay for individual sessions. Whether you are a dedicated local cyclist or a family discovering the park's different valleys each weekend, a permit simplifies the logistics of doing the right thing: parking officially and protecting the park you love.