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MONSAL DALE,
Peak District, Derbyshire
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The
Classic View From Monsal Head |
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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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Monsal Dale
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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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