Tunnel vision: the Monsal Head route will eventually use the reopened tunnels. Photo: Alan Walker CC-BY-SA-2.0

Walkers and cyclists are being warned a section of a popular trail will be closed from this week to enable the reopening of old railway tunnels on the route.

Part of the Monsal Trail in the Peak District national park will be temporarily out of bounds so contractors can carry out work on four tunnels in the area which will eventually form part of the trail.

The closure begins tomorrow, Monday 7 February, as part of the £2.25m Pedal Peak District project which will allow bridleway users to use the tunnels, which were closed in 1968.

The section from Upperdale to Monsal Head will be closed while the work is carried out. The route from Brushfield to Netherdale, approached from the western end of Monsal Head Viaduct, will remain open but will have contractors checking to ensure the public can cross safely.

The authority said all other parts of Monsal Trail will be open as usual but users should be aware that vehicles may use the route at times to bring equipment to the site.

Rhonda Pursglove, project manager for Pedal Peak District, said: “It is an amazing experience to go through the tunnels and see the fantastic views of the countryside as you come out.

“We are looking forward to completing the work so that cyclists, walkers and horse riders can experience that feeling for the first time since the tunnels closed in 1968.”

The temporary closure is being imposed so heavy machinery can be brought on to the trail without endangering public safety and will be in place until mid-March.