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"Ashford-in-the-Water"
The lovely village of Ashford-in-the-Water nestles on the banks of the River Wye as it slowly
meanders its way south towards Bakewell. It lies on the route of the ancient Portway, one of
the Peak District�s oldest trackways which has been used for many centuries.
The beautiful low arched medieval Sheepwash Bridge, overhung by willow trees, was built on
the site of the ford across the river. In the 17th century it was crossed each week by
hundreds of pack horses usually carrying malt from Derby. It has been widened at least twice
and takes its name from the attached sheep pen. Sheep were driven into it before being
thrown unceremoniously into the river to be washed prior to shearing. The bridge is no
longer open to traffic and is a favourite spot where visitors can either feed the ducks, or
gaze down into the clear waters to see if they can spot a rainbow trout.
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