WOMEN’S PERIL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3279, 26 July 1911, Page 8

WOMEN’S PERIL

EXCITING ADVENTURE ON HIGH TOR.

Two women visitors to Matlock Bath —a Mrs. Harrison and a young friend, of Ashby-de-la-Zouch—had an exciting adventure recently on the High Tor Bock, which rises sheer above the River Derwent to a height, of 450 ft. The two women started out to explore the rock at about half-past six in the morning, but took a wrong turning which led them to a perilous position half-way down the declivity. Below them was the London to Manchester main line of the Midland Railway, which tunnels through the rock at a point near by, and a little further away was the river. Both women began to cry for help, and their perilous position was observed by Mr. W. Dale, permanent way inspector of the railway. Mr. Dale and his men have at times to scale this very spot to keep stones from falling on to the line in winter, but usually they are roped for the task. Without waiting for a rope they climbed the rock. Mr. Dale secured the younger woman and took her down the rock and through the tunnel to Matlock Bath Station. Mrs. Harrison was rescued from above and taken back the way she came. Mrs. Harrison subsequently stated that her friend fell out of her sight after clinging to a piece of timber that gave way. Mrs. Harrison had to throw herself down and cling to the spot where she was.