Charles slips away

Mad Dog > Locations > Derbyshire > Monsal Dale > Charles' bridge >

Charles heads
for the
far bank

"He could be hiding out in a barn somewhere... anywhere"
Jim to Sanders

With the dogs scared off and Sanders' gang passing overhead, Charles wades — quietly and unnoticed — to the far bank of the river. Although he has made good his escape once again, his injuries and growing fatigue are taking their inevitable toll.

The scene
as viewed
from the
far bank

July 2005

Description: The bridge beneath which Charles hides is located right in the heart of the Monsal valley, near the only crossroads junction.

Where is it?: The road which runs down from the junction, between Dean Cottage (Fenton's house) on one side and Upperdale Farm (Jim and Sanders' place) on the other, leads over the bridge and to the far bank. The bridge can also be reached from the top of the Monsal viaduct, by following a short section of the 'Monsal Trail' (the path that leads along the viaduct top) away from the sealed tunnel entrance. Follow the path until it passes the site of the old Monsal Railway station (a spot now marked by an unattractive brick shed). Immediately behind the shed, pass through the gap between the wall and the gate. Turn right onto a rocky stone track (signposted for Upperdale) and walk downhill, underneath another bridgeway, to arrive at the bridge from the opposite riverbank.

Where's the best vantage point?: The sequence is filmed from the water's edge close to the bridge, on the opposite bank to the previous shots.

What about access?: The bridge is part of the public highway, and so is fully accessible (although a watch must be kept for occasional vehicles). With care, it is possible to walk down to the river's edge to assume the original camera position.

Anything else?: As with all the Monsal sites, numerous other locations are nearby — including the road along which Charles cycles, and the shed in which Charles tends to his wound. As with the viaduct top, the bridge itself is a popular tourist spot, and can be a very busy area at "peak times". During quieter periods it is a stunningly beautiful and restful setting.

The shot immediately after this — Charles stumbling through the winter snow and collapsing — switches the location back to Ilam, and the area around Ilam Tops Farm (Ellen and Ron's farm in the episode).  
 

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Page last updated:
16 March 2006