ASHFORD-IN-THE-WATER WALK
THE WALK
An outstanding walk starting from the pretty village of Ashford-in-the-Water. The route crosses open fields with fine views of the countryside as it gently climbs up to Monsal Head, from where you get one of the best views in Derbyshire, of the Wye slowly winding its way down the dale between meadows and the steeply wooded side of the valley.
The walk passes under Monsal Dale Viaduct, past a weir along a wooded gorge to the A6 road. After a steep climb up to Shacklow Wood, the path gradually descends to join the riverbank by a former water mill. It then joins the Sheldon Road close to the site of what used to be Ashford Marble Works before returning along the A6 to Ashford.
LOOK OUT FOR
Route Point 1. In 1881, the top pump had its pump removed, and a shelter was erected over it. It is one of several locations in the village where the traditional art of well dressing takes place. Well dressing is an ancient custom in Derbyshire, where wells and pumps are decorated with intricate designs made from natural materials like flowers and leaves. The Top Pump is often adorned during these celebrations, adding to the village’s charm.
Point 3. After leaving Ashford-in-the-Water, the walk crosses attractive meadowland with stunning views where wildflowers grow in abundance in the summer. As you reach Monsal Head, the Monsal Trail finds its way underneath the surface to emerge through Headstone Tunnel on the viaduct.
Point 4. The Monsal Head Viaduct is recognised as a triumph of Victorian engineering but came in for strong criticism when it was built. John Ruskin, the poet and conservationist, wrote, ‘The valley is gone – and now every fool in Buxton can be in Bakewell in half an hour and every fool at Bakewell in Buxton.’
Point 5. Monsal Dale is a steep-sided valley in the White Peak, and the dale is registered as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation, and part of a Europe-wide network called Natura 2000. Monsal Head is one of the outstanding beauty spots in the Peak District, and the walk enables you to see the viaduct and valley from above. Then, walk underneath the viaduct past the lovely waterfall on the river Wye and along a woodland path, eventually leading to the A6 Road.
Point 9. Shacklow Woods is an attractive woodland area. The woods are known for their dense tree cover and peaceful atmosphere, making them a perfect destination for a peaceful escape into nature.
Point 10. Sheepwash Bridge, overhung by willow trees, was built on the site of the former Ford across the river. It takes its name from the attached sheep pen. At sheep shearing time, the animals were thrown unceremoniously into the river, and as they swam across, the shepherds ensured they got a good soaking to clean their fleeces. No longer open to traffic, the bridge is a favourite spot for visitors.
WALK DETAILS
Length: 6 miles.
Start: Ashford Village Car Park off Fennel Street, to the left of the church.
Location: On the northern side of the A6, Bakewell (2 miles) to Buxton Road, at the junction with the A619.
Terrain: Hilly in places, but mostly easy walking. A section of the climb up to Shacklow Wood can be difficult underfoot in wet weather, so prepare.
Refreshments: The Bull’s Head is a fine old coaching inn with roses around the door and seats outside. Aisseford Tea Room is on Church Street, where seating is available inside and out. There is a gift shop on the first floor.
THE ROUTE
1. From the car park, walk back towards Fennel Street and turn to the right at the roundabout signed for ‘Wardlow and Monsal Head’ past the Top Pump.
2. Within a few yards, take the footpath on your left up a short flight of steps. Follow the path right behind a row of houses to a stile.
Walk across the field guided by the marker post to the far-right hand corner and go over a stile onto a farm track.
3. Turn to the left up the track until it enters a field, then immediately turn left up a slope, keeping close to the wall on your left. There are excellent views over open meadowland with abundant wild flowers in season. After crossing the stile in the top corner of the field, turn sharply right, keeping near the stone wall, and go through the next stile onto another farm track.
4. Continue along the well-signed track, shortly following the edge of the steeply sided valley around to the right, climbing a short flight of steps to Monsal Head.
5. From here, take the signed path down a flight of steps to Monsal Dale and the viaduct, turning left at a gate by the end of some farm buildings. Cross a footbridge over the river and turn left to follow the path close to the River Wye.
6. Along this part of the walk, look out for the waterfall on the River Wye; the busy A6 is just over a mile away.
7. Walk across the road to the far side of White Lodge Car Park and take the surfaced path across the field heading for the trees high up on the left.
8. When you reach a way marker, bear to the left to enter a narrow limestone valley. In about 50 yards, cross a stile on the left, follow the winding path to another marker, and take the route signed ‘Ashford and Sheldon’ leading up the hillside to the left.
9. Watch out for a stile on your left, which leads into Shacklow Wood, heading for Ashford. Continue along the path through the wood as it gently descends to follow the riverbank to Sheldon Road, where you turn left.
10. After a short distance, turn right along the A6 and left at Sheepwash Bridge into Ashford-in-the-Water. Continue up Fennel Street, turning to the right at the top to return to the start of the walk.
Ashford-in-the-Water
