Following a load of publicity after a recent BBC series of country walks along disused railways, there will be two opportunities to walk the Monsal Trail in the Peak District – and go though the normally closed tunnels which the trail currently has to avoid.

The walks, to be operated on 11th April and 12th September, are operated with agreement and licence of the Peak District National Park Authority and will commence from the former station at Bakewell and conclude at Wye Dale, north of the former Blackwell Mill Halt, and include passage through the normally closed tunnels.

The walk will and terminate at Wye Dale around 16.00 with return to Bakewell by private coach. There will be a charge for participants to include licence agreement with the Park authority and coach hire, and conditions will require carrying a hard hat, torch and wearing stout footwear and suitable clothing. Convenience stops will be made at Hassop, between Cressbrook and Litton tunnels and at Millers Dale.

Space on these walks will be limited and applications will be administered on a first come first served basis for the respective two dates. Further details can be obtained, only in writing, by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Stuart Smith, 5 Sedgebrook Close, Oakwood, Derby. DE21 2DX

Hat tip to The Railway Herald

I think I might try to do this for September.