Charles steals the bike

Mad Dog > Locations > Derbyshire > Monsal Dale > Bicycle cottage >

Distracted,
Phil realises
Charles'
intentions
too late

"How do you manage with punctures and things?"
Charles to Phil

Uncertain whether or not to believe this stranger, Phil is suspicious as Charles quizzes him about the bike and its upkeep. Charles swings himself onto the bike, and — before Phil realises what is happening — cycles away. Belated and fruitlessly, Phil gives chase.

The scene
as viewed
from the
farmhouse
yard

May 1999

Description: The farmhouse where Charles finds — and then steals — the bicycle is Riversdale Farm in Monsal Dale. The stone stairway down which Phil descends is (from the camera's point of view) on the left side of the main farmhouse.

Where is it?: Riversdale Farm is located on the roadway leading steeply downhill from Monsal Head into the valley. It is situated between Netherdale Farm (where the sequence of Charles' discovery by the young girl was filmed) and Upperdale House (the location for Charles first encounter with Jim and Sanders).

Where's the best vantage point?: The shot is taken from the now-tarmaced yard in front of the main farmhouse. In 1977, the yard, and trackway along which Charles escapes with the bike, were mud. As this photograph makes clear, the original stonework of this part of the farm has since been 'resurfaced'.

What about access?: Riversdale Farm is a private residence — fans should not trespass on the grounds of the property, but should seek prior permission before visiting. The owners of Riversdale Farm have been very accommodating to Survivors fans during previous location visits, allowing fans to enter the farm grounds and revisit the precise filming locations. The general area in which the scenes were filmed is visible from the public highway.

Anything else?: Riversdale Farm offers self-catering accommodation for families and small groups of visitors, in two adapted cottages adjacent to the main farmhouse. For details see here.  
 

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Page last updated:
18 March 2003