Monsal Dale

Monsal Dale is a valley in the Peak District of Derbyshire in England. In geological history this area of Derbyshire was long ago under water, and is formed from a subsequent uplift of resultant sedimentary deposits, known as the Derbyshire Dome. Overlying sandstones and shales have been eroded, exposing the underlying limestone which forms the basis of the area today, which is consequently known as the White Peak. Monsal Dale is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (1) and part of a Europe wide network called Natura 2000.Headstone viaductThe local landmark is the Headstone Viaduct, built by the Midland Railway, over the River Wye, immediately after the 533yd Headstone Tunnel, travelling north from Great Longstone. The viaduct, usually incorrectly called Monsal Dale Viaduct, is 300ft long, with five 50ft span arches, some 40ft high at the centre. Initially, some slippage occurred, and remedial work was carried out in 1907-08.Whilst considered elegant today, with a preservation order being placed on it in 1970, when it was built in 1863 it was seen as destroying the beauty of the dale. John Ruskin, considered to be Britain's leading writer on culture, having had many works published on architecture and art, as well as politics, harshly criticised the building of the railway: