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MONSAL DALE - UPPER DALE, Peak District, Derbyshire
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A Trail In A Derbyshire Dale |
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The viaduct is now part of and one of the most
famous features on the Monsal Trail but for over 100 years until
1968 it carried railway trains on the London-Manchester route.
It caused a lot of consternation when it was first erected and
was thought to be a blight on the landscape. When the line closed
in 1968 it was not considered an economical proposition to demolish
it and now, classed as a listed building, many think the area
would be a poorer place without it. Even today though, standing
at one end of the viaduct and with a little imagination, it is
easy to sense the ghost of a engine steaming across.
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I had reached the viaduct by following the
footpath through the wooded hillside and strolling across I paused
to read the information plaque and admire the views.
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At the far end of the viaduct I turned and looked
back towards Monsal Head. The railway line passed through a tunnel
at the far end but this has now been blocked. In the railway
years passengers emerging from the darkness of the tunnel would,
once their eyes had adjusted to the sunlight, be greeted by views
like this (below right) of the River Wye and the Monsal Dale.
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It was time for me to retrace my steps along the
Trail to Monsal Head passing through the gate and climbing the
stepped footpath back up the hillside. Believe me it is much
easier going down than climbing back up!
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But before I returned there was still time for one last look
from the viaduct along the Wye Valley towards Upper Dale which
is the next port of call.
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On a quite, warm and fine Autumn afternoon, with cattle grazing
in the fields and the water flowing gently by, there is nowhere
more peaceful than alongside the River Wye in Upper Dale.
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Many years ago in 'my artistic black and white phase', I took
this photo of the bridge at Upper Dale and the colour image illustrates
how little the area has changed. As a photographic composition
though, I think I prefer the black and white view.
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The cottages to the right of the black and white photo above
can be seen below with the limestone peaks towards Monsal Head
providing an impressive backdrop. At this time of year I am sure
that many a visitor would dream of living in such a picturesque
setting but with the onset of winter such seclusion could well
be a different proposition.
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