We’ve been to Hassop Station several times recently, but our visit this week was the first time I’ve hired a bike to cycle on the Monsal Trail with the kids. The experience was made so much easier by just having the older two with me, but I would highly recommend it as a family activity to do together because it’s on a protected, safe track with lovely views.
We cycled from Hassop Station to Cressbrook and back, a 5-6 mile round trip. By far the best bit is cycling through the Headstone Tunnel and coming out at the Monsal Head viaduct the kids were so excited to cycle in the dark through a tunnel! (there are some lights so it’s not completely pitch black but its close!) There’s really not many places you get to experience that!! Click here for the Monsal Trail map.
The socially distanced set up at Hassop Station is great. All the seating is outside, and the majority is under a canopy so if it’s raining you can still sit in the dry but entirely in the fresh air. The cafe is serving hot drinks, food, and ice creams, and they have set up a really cute bar outside from the back of an old Land Rover Defender where you can get beverages to suit any adult’s tastebuds!
There is a small playground, suitable for children up to about 6, with wooden equipment for them to climb, balance on and crawl through little tunnels.
The Monsal Trail Cycle Hire is also based there. An adult bike is £12 to hire for 2 hours, and toddler seats are an additional £4. Helmets are included, as well as a breakdown service! (I found this out after my chain broke about ¾ mile into my ride! I was very quickly given a different steed to ride!) I hired one adult bike and took the kids’ bikes with me. We paid £3.50 for car parking for 3 hours, had a picnic on benches near the car, and bought take-out drinks. All in all, a reasonably priced family half-day out, or full-day including the journey to and from Cheshire! Chatsworth House is nearby if you fancy going there you could check it out on the same day.
AUTHOR BIO
Hi, I’m Vicki, Mum of 3, to two boys and a girl aged between 10 and 4. I’m originally from Derbyshire but moved to Manchester for university, and after meeting my husband here, haven’t left. We now live in a leafy part of Stockport, which we love because there is so much on our doorstep! Old Trafford (yep husband is a red!) and the city centre is a short distance away, and we can quickly get into the Cheshire countryside.
As well as being Director of Family Services and chief diary organiser at home, I’m a freelance Social Media Manager. I help self-employed female founders to showcase their businesses on Facebook and Instagram. This year hasn’t gone as expected (understatement!!) with the Coronacoaster of homeschooling causing havoc in my household. Fingers crossed this is largely over and done with now so I can now concentrate on doing the things I love.
I really like to write, read fiction, and travel (when of course we are able to!). So blogging about places we go with the kids is a perfect fit for me!! I’m really looking forward to sharing some of the gems we have found recently, with you.
Instagram @hello_flexi
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