Ashford’s much-photographed Sheepwash Bridge over the River Wye. Sheep were penned in the enlosed area on the left before being driven across the river to clean their wool.
Full directions
Click below for a pdf of the route with detailed instructions, photos and a map, as well as links to car parks and public transport. A walking app GPX is also available.
Walk details
Length: 6mls | Av. time: 2.30hrs | Ascent: 292ft
Start: Hassop Station | Google Map
Walk description, map & GPX | Download
Starting from Hassop Station – which is now a popular cafe and bike-hire centre – this very easy six-mile walk crosses some wonderfully picturesque White Peak contryside to reach the equally scenic village of Ashford-in-the-Water, lying beside the River Wye.
Above: Great Longstone Station won many awards for its floral displays. Perhaps because one of Midland Railway’s directors lived at nearby Thornbridge Hall!
Click here for a brief history of the station, as well as some photos taken when it was in its prime. There’s also a ‘then & now’ fade on the page comparing an old view with a recent photo.
There’s no shortage of places to stop for refreshments on this walk. Thornbridge Hall’s ‘Quackers Cafe’ is just beyond the bridge on the above photo.
Ashford boasts a tearoom and two pubs – the recently reopened Ashford Arms and the more traditional Bulls Head – as well as the more upmarket Rafters Hotel beside the Sheepwash Bridge.
The cafe at Hassop Station is always popular. And if you feel like exploring the entire 8.5 miles of the Monsal Trail, you could hire a bike from just behind the building.
Route photos
Stages 1-6 of the route. Click any to enlarge and scroll through.
Relive video
Click to play and use the expand option to view in full-screen. More Monsal Trail Relives.