Ashford in the Water & Monsal Dale - Friday 24 April 2015
Route
Ashford in the Water - Pennyunk Lane - Monsal Head - Monsal Dale - Great Shacklow Wood - Ashford in the Water
Parking
Plenty of free parking in Ashford in the Water
Mileage
6.8 miles
Terrain
Farm tracks & riverside paths
Weather
Sunny at first then overcast later
Time Taken
3hrs
Total Ascent
2116ft (645m)
Map
OL24 - The Peak District (White Peak Area)
Walkers
Dave, Angie & Fudge
Ashford in the Water - Pennyunk Lane - Monsal Head - Monsal Dale - Great Shacklow Wood - Ashford in the Water
Parking
Plenty of free parking in Ashford in the Water
Mileage
6.8 miles
Terrain
Farm tracks & riverside paths
Weather
Sunny at first then overcast later
Time Taken
3hrs
Total Ascent
2116ft (645m)
Map
OL24 - The Peak District (White Peak Area)
Walkers
Dave, Angie & Fudge
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GPX File
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Route Map
The walk began at this curious octagonal shelter which is known to older residents as the Bottom Pump. This shelter was erected in 1881 to cover one of the main village water sources. The pump mechanism has long since been removed but the well still exists beneath the modern structure which was erected in 1977 to celebrate the silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Holy Trinity Church, Ashford in the Water
The suffix,”in the Water” appears to be a 19th century addition to distinguish the village from several other Ashford’s in Britain
The suffix,”in the Water” appears to be a 19th century addition to distinguish the village from several other Ashford’s in Britain
Shortly after reaching open farmland we came across this rather forlorn Bull who was taking some shade from the sun
Heading up Pennyunk Lane
At the end of Pennyunk Lane the path heads sharp left up this field edge before heading over to reach the tree in the right of shot
Not far now
About half a mile after the sign the glorious view of Monsal Dale opens up with the impressive Headstone Viaduct prominent
The five arch masonry viaduct was initially constructed in 1862 to carry the Midland Railway across the Wye Valley at a bend in the river. The rail tracks have been dismantled and the viaduct now forms part of the Monsal Trail. It stands close to the western end of the Headstone Tunnel and was opened in 1863.
The five arch masonry viaduct was initially constructed in 1862 to carry the Midland Railway across the Wye Valley at a bend in the river. The rail tracks have been dismantled and the viaduct now forms part of the Monsal Trail. It stands close to the western end of the Headstone Tunnel and was opened in 1863.
The path from Monsal Head drops down to this bridge over the River Wye
The Headstone Viaduct from below
Leaving the viaduct we headed along the grassy banks of the Wye in Monsal Dale - as you can see Fudge was really enjoying himself
The lovely weir on the River Wye in Monsal Dale
The path out of Monsal Dale reaches the A6 and heads up through the Car Park at White Lodge. Our route heads up to the right.
Climbing up to Great Shacklow Wood
The Sheepwash Bridge at Ashford in the Water
The Grade 2 listed 17th Century Sheepwash Bridge is a packhorse bridge with an attached stone sheepwash which can be seen on the left here. Lambs were placed in the pen and the ewes swam across the river to get to them, while being pushed underwater by the shepherds to clean the fleece before shearing.
The Grade 2 listed 17th Century Sheepwash Bridge is a packhorse bridge with an attached stone sheepwash which can be seen on the left here. Lambs were placed in the pen and the ewes swam across the river to get to them, while being pushed underwater by the shepherds to clean the fleece before shearing.