Ashford in the Water Walks
The pretty Peak District village of Ashford in the Water has some nice walking trails to try along the River Wye. It's a picture postcard area with quaint stone cottages, nice pubs and lovely views of the river and the old Sheep Wash Bridge. This short walk takes you from Ashford in the Water to the nearby town of Bakewell. It's about a one mile walk, passing Ashford Lake and Lumford Mill with river views on the way. You can return the same way or get the bus back from Bakewell.
Other walks around Ashford in the Water
Monsal Trail - this cycling and walking trail starts in nearby Bakewell and runs to Chee Dale along a disused railway line. You can pick it up just to the north of Ashford in the Water by following Longstone Lane towards Great Longstone. Then head west to visit Monsal Head and the beautiful Monsal Dale.Lathkill Dale - The dale is a peaceful, atmospheric area flanked with large limestone cliffs and woodland. There's nice views of the Lathkill River with its pretty weirs and waterfalls. The dale is located just over 2 miles south of the village and is a must see if you are visiting the area. Just to the south of the dale you can also visit the fascinating Neolithic henge monument of Arbor Low.
Just to the west of the village there are some nice trails to follow through Great Shacklow Wood and Little Shacklow Wood.
The Limestone Way long distance trail can be picked up at nearby Youlgreave. You can follow it through the countryside to Monyash.
Ashford in the Water Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Ashford in the Water Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Ashford in the Water OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Ashford in the Water Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Explore the Area with Google Street View 
Pubs/Cafes
Head to the noteworthy Bulls Head for some refreshments after your walk. The pub dates back all the way to the 17th century when it was originally a coaching inn. Today the pub does great food and has a fine garden area to relax in on warmer days. You can find the pub Church Street with a postcode of DE45 1QB for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The country and river trails around the village are ideal for dog walking and the Bulls Head mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The circular Bakewell Railway Walk passes through the village. It uses part of the Monsal Trail to visit Monsal Head before looping round through the countryside to the village.
Just to the north is the worthy village of Great Longstone. The historic village includes a 13th century church and a fine 17th century pub. Our circular walk from the village climbs to the splendid limestone ridge at Longstone Edge, just to the north of the settlement.
Just to the south west you will find the village of Sheldon and the noteworthy Magpie Mine. Here you can explore a series of well preserved Lead Mines which date back to the 1600s. The historical site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and another of the local area highlights.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Peak District Walks and White Peak Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Sheepwash Bridge, Ashford in the Water. The famous packhorse bridge leading from the A6 into the village of Ashford, with the River Wye flowing beneath
The Rookery, Ashford-in-the-Water. These manicured lawns and Georgian house are part of a splendid view from the ridge-top footpath from Sheldon. Here the 6th Duke of Devonshire installed his mistress Elizabeth Warwick in 1829, and it became the first home of the present Duke & Duchess of Devonshire after their marriage in 1941.
Greatbatch Cox where a noted Ashford in the Water builder lived for many years.
Pretty stone cottages in Greaves Lane
The Bull's Head in Ashford-in-the-Water. The Bull's Head known as the Turk's Head in the 19th century and run by the same family since the 1950's. A feature of the interior is the collection of bank notes and coins from all around the world. They are jammed into cracks in the ceiling beams.
