Sunday 31 July 2011

Monsal Trail Tunnels Walks, Sunday 31st July


Monsal Trail Tunnels Walks,
Jack's Walk
Fourteen of us set out from Millers Dale Station on tracks that had only
recently been opened up to us through the old railway tunnels on the
Monsal Trail. We set off along the spectacular section of track above
Chee Dale, obtaining many new views of the valley below. There were
three tunnels along this section several of them leading onto bridges
high above the river. At the end of Chee Dale we had our longest climb
of the day up to Blackwell and Priestcliffe. The route then took us down
High Dale before ascending again for lunch with a fine view over Monsal
Dale. After being suitably refreshed a descent was made to Monsal
viaduct and then progressed through Monsal Tunnel. We then looped round
to the outskirts of Ashford before returning to Monsal Head for a
welcome ice cream break. The final part of the journey took us through
Cressbrook and Litton Tunnels before our return to Millers Dale

Vince's Walk
The shorter walk also started at Millers Dale station from where the two
walks split. Taking in just two of the five tunnels the first and
longest Litton brought us out to spectacular views which got even better
as we approached the second, Cressbrook, looking out over
Water-Cum-Jollydale to Cressbrook Hall, a very popular stop for taking
photos. There was then a short climb up to Monsal Head where lunch was
taken and (of course) a very welcome cup of tea. Then it was back down
past Cressbrook Mill and along the river to Millers Dale and The
Angler's Arms where surprise surprise we were not the last to arrive!!
Thanks to Vince for another lovely walk.
Lesley.
Click here for photos of the walk.