WATER-CUM-JOLLY DALE TO WESTON UNDERWOOD
A TO Z – DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT – CHAPTER 53
WATER-CUM-JOLLY-DALE (1.5 miles from Monsal Head, between Litton Mill and Cressbrook Mill)
There is a vast expanse of water at Water-cum-Jolly Dale. Held back by a weir and mill stream that centuries ago would have operated a huge waterwheel. Tranquil and serene, the river at Water-cum-Jolly Dale flows through a deep ravine with rocky limestone crags. The steep bank to the north is home to a row of alpine-style cottages with Cressbrook Hall on the hilltop. The footpath alongside the dale provides a most enjoyable walk, but do not attempt it after heavy rainfall, as it will be flooded and probably impassable.
WATERFALL (8 miles northwest of Ashbourne off the A523 along minor roads from Waterhouses or Winkhill – SK081514)
Waterfall is a picturesque little village well worth visiting. But you will not find a waterfall. The name has been derived from the fact that ‘this water sinketh underground.’ It is a common occurrence in limestone areas. The River Hamps falls into a subterranean watercourse between the village of Waterfall and Winkhill, from which the former derives its name.
The village is particularly attractive, surrounded by stone cottages and farms with an impressive scenic backdrop. On the green is the old village pump, now disconnected, as well as the restored village stocks. The oldest building in Waterfall is the parish church, believed to date back to the 11th century. The churchyard is unique in Staffordshire, as it has been in the possession of the lay rector since the reign of James I. The local school closed in its bicentennial year and is now the village hall. The Red Lion, described as a ‘hidden gem’, is still going strong. It is very popular with walkers and is at a point where several footpaths converge.
WATERHOUSES (on the A523, halfway between Leek and Ashbourne – SK080506)
Waterhouses is the largest village in the Hamps valley on the southwestern edge of the Peak District. From 1904 to 1934, the Leek and Manifold Railway ran from the village, along the valleys of first the Hamps and then the Manifold. A surfaced trail for walkers and cyclists has replaced the line. There is a cycle hire centre and car park at Waterhouses.
WESSINGTON (between Alfreton and Matlock, on the A615 – SK171787)
The village is in an idyllic setting clustered around a large green, one of the two largest in the county. The Horse and Jockey, a fish and chip shop, provides refreshment, the church offers spiritual guidance, and the school provides education.
Before Wessington had mains water, three wells on the green, named Moses, Jubilee, and Tea, supplied villagers’ needs. The two former were for washing and the latter for drinking. Although the tea well, being furthest away, was sometimes avoided by children fetching drinking water who hoped their mother would not notice.
WEST HALLAM (on the A6009, between Stanley Common and Ilkeston – SK423418)
West Hallam is a large village that pre-dates the Domesday Book. Until the early 20th century, the village was relatively small and owned by the Newdigate family, with most inhabitants working on the land. There was also coal mining in the area, and the Great Northern Railway arrived in the village in the late 1800s, but it is no longer in operation. Recent years have seen considerable housing development in this popular village, which has regained its rural appeal following the landscaping of former mining fields.
On the site of what was West Hallam Pottery, which had lain virtually derelict for years, is the superbly renovated Bottle Kiln Café, where you can relax and enjoy fresh homemade treats and a drink. There is also a shop area to explore, and tucked away behind the old kiln is a walled Japanese-style tea garden where you can sit out when the weather permits. Further along, the road to Ilkeston passes by a recreational area at Straw’s Bridge, and to the south of the village is the Cat and Fiddle Windmill – a restored wooden post mill.
WESTON UNDERWOOD (1 mile west of Kedleston Park, on the Duffield to Hulland Ward road – SK292425)
Weston Underwood adjoins the Kedleston estate and was the centre of an agricultural community a century ago. At that time, the Curzons of Kedleston Hall owned all of Weston and much of Mugginton. The village has expanded in recent years with the construction of several large houses along both sides of the road.
