The Peak District trail named one of the best hikes in the UK

A trail in the Peak District has been named one of the best in the UK according to a new study - but the route might surprise you. Think of hiking trails and your mind probably jumps to rough terrain, weaving through trees and climbing hills, the latter being a key feature of the Peak District.

Yet the Monsal Trail was the only walk in the Peak District to be featured in a list of the top ten hikes in the UK, according to outdoor experts at Blacks. The 8.5-mile long route actually boasts a smooth and even path, no obstructions and there’s only the slightest of inclines.

That’s because it follows the route of a former railway line, between Blackwell Mill and Bakewell. The trail isn’t just for hikers as it can be used by cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.

READ MORE: The Peak District woodland walk named one of the best to do this autumn

It passes through the stunning limestone dales and even features 400m long tunnels which are lit during normal daylight hours. A highlight of the trail is the Headstone Viaduct, which offers breath-taking views across the landscape.

The research, conducted ahead of National ‘Take a Hike’ Day on November 17th, analysed AllTrails and Google search data from October 2023 to September 2024, as well as average temperature and rainfall to reveal the best hikes to try this autumn and winter. Each route received a hiking score out of 10.

The Monsal Trail came eight on the list, with a score of 8.50, helped with an impressive 386,500 Google searches. Another route close to Greater Manchester topped the list - Snowdonia’s Aber Falls - with a score of 9.89 and a whopping 453,600 Google searches. It’s a trail that takes in impressive views of moorland, woodland, archaeological remains and the renowned Rhaeadr Fawr waterfall.

Scotland’s Fife Coastal Path came in second place with a score of 9.38. Ranking in third place was the South West Coastal Path in North Devon.

The best hikes in the UK, according to Blacks:

1. Aber Falls, Snowdonia
2. Fife Coastal Path, Kincardine
3. South West Coast Path, North Devon
4. Snowdon Horseshoe, Snowdonia
5. Wales Coast Path, Gower National Landscape
6. Pen yr Ole Wen and The Carneddau, Snowdonia
7. Hadrian’s Wall Path, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear
8. Monsal Trail, The Peak District
9. St David’s Peninsula, Pembrokeshire
10. Box Hill and Juniper Hill, Surrey Hills National Landscape

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