Ashford in the Water - Village & River

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Ashford in the Water's village and river, with Explorers helping Rachel Ramsey, the great-great-granddaughter of the Sheep Dippers' leader, follow the gang's trail through Ashford in the Water to track down their lost treasure.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll set off from Court Lane car park, explore village paths, grassy stretches, roads and a churchyard path, then follow the trail of clues back towards the start.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route is reasonably short and gentle overall, but includes some slight hills, a slight hill to scramble down, grass where the tarmac gives way, and uneven outdoor sections.

You need to cross busy roads on several occasions, so stay alert, use marked crossings wherever possible and take care when walking near the main road. The optional detour to Monsal Head at the end involves heading up the steep hill of Vicarage Lane.

Getting There

By car: Begin at Court Lane car park, just off Fennel Street (DE45 1QF). This is the recommended parking spot for the quest. There are several other places to park around the village, but please be respectful of local residents - especially in the high season.

At the end of the Trail, continue along the road you are on in the same direction and the car park will be a little way up on your right.

By public transport: Make your way to Court Lane car park, just off Fennel Street, to begin the adventure.

Need the Loo?

Toilets can be found in the car park at the beginning of the adventure, so this is the best place for Explorers to make a comfort stop before setting off after the Sheep Dippers' loot.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can join the treasure hunt 🐾

Dogs should be supervised at all times. The route includes roads, busy crossings, grassy sections and a churchyard path, so keep canine companions close, especially near traffic and the main road.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure hunting through Ashford in the Water is much easier with supplies on hand.

You will pass a couple of pubs, a shop and a tea room along the way. If you'd rather pack your own provisions, the optional detour at the end leads to Monsal Head, where there is a fantastic picnic spot with spectacular views.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Sheepwash Bridge

This river crossing has been guarding the water since Tudor times. Records suggest it began as a 16th century bridge, then grew in the 18th century. The stone pen at the far end gave the bridge its name, as this was where flocks were washed before shearing - exactly the sort of place keen Explorers should pause for a closer look.

The Children's Well and Ashford Well Dressings

The route passes a small well known as The Children's Well, so called because this is the well that the children dress at the Ashford Well Dressings on Trinity Sunday. Ashford also has plenty of village history to soak up - around 150 years ago it had a higher population, with many people making stockings in their attics.

Ashford Churchyard and the Old Market Cross

In the churchyard you can see the remains of the old market cross, moved from Hill Cross where it used to stand. The main path through the churchyard used to be called the Corpse Road, giving this peaceful stop a properly historic twist once the treasure trail has been safely followed.

Optional Detour to Monsal Head

If your Explorers still have energy at the end, you can take a detour up the steep hill of Vicarage Lane for a couple of miles to Monsal Head. The reward is spectacular views and a perfect picnic site - ideal for turning a short village quest into a longer day out.