Ashford-in-the-Water is one of those villages people drive through on the way to somewhere else, which is a shame, because it happens to sit right on the doorstep of one of the finest walks in the Peak District.
If you’re staying with us or fancy a proper afternoon out before dinner, this is the walk we recommend more than any other.
It’s a genuine, well-trodden route (not one we’ve made up), and you can pick it up right from the village.
The route: Monsal Head, Monsal Dale and Ashford-in-the-Water Circular
We’re working from the Monsal Head, Monsal Dale, and Ashford-in-the-Water Circular route on AllTrails, a well-reviewed and clearly marked trail that links the two together via the River Wye.
It’s a proper walk rather than a quick stroll, covering around 6 miles with an elevation gain of roughly 330 metres. Most walkers take around 3 – 3.5 hours, plenty of time to build up a proper appetite for a meal with us once you’re done.
The trail is described as moderately challenging with a few steeper sections, so decent boots are a good idea rather than trainers.
The route officially starts up at the Headstone Viaduct Viewpoint at Monsal Head, then loops down to Ashford-in-the-Water before following the meandering River Wye back.
As it’s a circular route, you can just as easily join it from the Ashford end and walk it in the opposite direction, which is exactly what most of our guests do.
What you’ll see this time of year
July in the Wye Valley is hard to beat.
The fields are thick and green, the river runs low and clear enough to spot trout beneath the footbridges and swallows swoop low over the water on a warm afternoon.
The climb up towards Monsal Head opens out into one of the best views in Derbyshire, straight down onto Headstone Viaduct, the old Victorian railway bridge that now carries walkers and cyclists along the Monsal Trail. From there the path drops back through Monsal Dale, following the river through quiet woodland before bringing you back into the village.
A note on parking
If you’re driving in just for the walk, please use the village car park in Ashford-in-the-Water rather than ours before you visit. Our car park is fairly small and we need to make sure there’s enough space for guests dining or staying with us. If you do park with us, just remember to pop your registration in when you arrive to avoid a fine.
Key facts to know before you go
- Distance: approximately 9.7km / 6 miles
- Time: around 3 to 3.5 hours at a steady pace
- Difficulty: moderate, with some steeper sections
- Elevation gain: approximately 329 metres
- Terrain: fields, farm tracks and a section of the flat, well surfaced Monsal Trail
- Dogs: welcome, on a lead
Full route and map: Monsal Head, Monsal Dale, and Ashford-in-the-Water Circular
Book a table for afterwards, or better still, stay the night and take the walk at your own pace with nowhere to rush back to.