Part of the Ilkeston Cam "Days
Out" Series
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MONSAL DALE, Peak District, Derbyshire
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The Classic View From Monsal Head |
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 Monsal
Dale |
It has been a long time since we last visited Monsal
Dale in Derbyshire's Peak District and it has been even longer
since the photo below was taken on a previous visit. The autumnal
landscape left is just as enchanting today as the wintry landscape
below and the man made viaduct does not detract from the verdant
view in the slightest.
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In this ever changing world the beauty and charm of some
places seems to remain constant whatever the season. Monsal Dale
is one of those places and as you can see below, even in mid-week
Monsal Head is a popular spot with ramblers, walkers, tourists
and sightseers. First stop on our latest visit was at the Monsal
Head Cafe. The building also houses a gift shop.
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Stepping inside is like having one foot in
a bygone era. A collection of old tins that once contained all
manner of goods reside on the picture rail.
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There is also a selection of old black and white
photos of the area, framed and hung on the walls. 'Oxo' posters
add even more interest whilst refreshments are prepared and served.
Sustained by a large Eccles Cake each, sips of a good cup of
coffee were interspersed with cries of 'Have you seen ... ' and
' Ooh look at that!' When we had had our fill, the view from
the open door hardly did justice to the delights just across
the road.
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A row of seats adjacent to a small car park enables
people to sit and enjoy the views at the designated viewing point
but many find their own favourite spot at the wall at the side
of the road.
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And this is what they were
looking at. To see a larger sized panoramic view click the image
below (159kb)
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The information plaque not only provides a map of
the area but also gives some interesting historic detail. 
'Between 1861 and 1968 the dale echoed to the sound of
trains on the Midland Railway's main line from London to Manchester.
The viaduct remains to remind us of the bold enterprise of railway
engineers. It now forms part of the Monsal Trail and you may
walk on it.'
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A signpost points the way either to the viaduct or to the
valley about which the plaque states: 'It is no mere chance
that the River Wye flows through this valley - it has created
it! Over thousands of years the steady erosion of running water
has deepened the river's bed cutting almost 100 meters into the
limestone plateau of the White Peak.'
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Even in October when the trees are beginning to change colour
it is still possible to see a lot of the greenery in the valley.
The view above shows both Netherdale and Upperdale Farms and
for a closer look and more images of the area click
here.
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