Last one from Derbyshire, I promise.
The Monsal Trail follows an old railway line, and reminds us very much of the Wirral Way close to home, although the scenery is far more dramatic.
Dodging a heavy downpour ....
The old railway tunnels had fallen into disrepair, and were unsafe to walk through. Last time we were here, the path was diverted over the top. Recently, they have been refurbished and opened up to the public again.
Out in the open again, you realise just how high the path is above the river.
An impressive viaduct towers over the road below, with passing vehicles looking like toy cars.
It's a shame they haven't restored the old station at Millers' Dale... it would make a lovely little information centre.
I love this photograph from a board outside showing some of the staff that worked here in 1910. It's hard to imagine this peaceful spot as a hive of activity, with busy steam trains passing through, laden with passengers or stone from the quarries. Look at the young boy on the right hand side of the photograph .... how old is he? 12? 13?
How times change!
That looks like a fantastic walk.
ReplyDeleteGillx
An information centre or better still a pretty little gift shop. It is amazing how things can change in time xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. Those tunnels remind me of some of the stories from "The Famous Five" series. I love the photo of your dog looking up. How adorable.
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
Just as well you have a head for heights with that path being as high as it is! the tunnel looks spectacular but I don"t fancy doing it with only candle light as they must have done before the lights were installed. x
ReplyDeleteI love the old black and white photo. It looks almost mandatory to have a moustache back then!!!x
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favourite places (and I'm sure Rosie will be a long saying the same thing later too). I don't know if I'm brave enough to do the tunnels - even with the lights on! I really don't like tunnels. Hubby ended up with a very bruised arm when we did the war tunnels in Jersey! xxx
ReplyDeleteI love this area! I used to visit Miller's Dale a lot when I was child. I've been keeping up to date with the tunnels, but we haven't had chance to go there since they have been open - we will over the summer. Do you go into Chee Dale - as in alongside the river - that's a fantastic spot!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been along the trail since the tunnels were opened up, must go later this summer and see what it's like to go through one of them - spooky I suspect:) Love the photo of the railway staff.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm here saying the same thing as Diane - one of my favourite places! Like Rowan and Louise I haven't been since they have opened up the tunnels so we must visit soon and take a walk through - I think I may take a torch - just in case the lights go out!:) So many of us bloggers hoping to go there in the summer - group picnic maybe? Will you be returning there soon as well?:)
ReplyDelete