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Ashford In The Water

Top 7 Lakes around Ashford In The Water

Best lakes around Ashford In The Water primarily refer to the various ponds, meres, and reservoirs found in the vicinity, as the village itself is known for the River Wye rather than large natural lakes. This picturesque village in the Derbyshire Peak District offers a tranquil ambiance with its meandering river and historic features like the Sheepwash Bridge. The area provides opportunities for scenic riverside walks and connects to the wider Peak District via the Monsal Trail. While traditional lakes are not a feature, several smaller water bodies contribute to the natural landscape.

Best lakes around Ashford In The Water

  • The most popular water feature is Foolow Village, a settlement that includes a duck pond. This village also features an ancient stone cross and a pub, making it a notable stop.
  • Another must-see spot is Ring Pond, a natural pond. Water from this pond flows over the Sowter Stone and down to an aqueduct, part of historical improvements to Stand Wood.
  • Visitors also love Whitworth Park Pond, a lake within a park. Once a Victorian boating lake, it is now home to diverse wildlife throughout the year.
  • Ashford In The Water is known for various water features including ponds, meres, and small reservoirs. These offer a variety of natural and historical water bodies to see and explore.
  • The lakes around Ashford In The Water are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 120 upvotes and 20 photos contributing to their popularity.

Last updated: June 28, 2026

Foolow Village

Highlight • Pub

A gorgeous little village, with a duck pond, ancient stone cross and a very lovely pub (The Bull's Head) which, if you time your journey right, makes for a great place to stop and refuel.

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Amazing spot down by a lake and stream on a tiny ancient bridge. Perfect for the lunch stop!

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Ring Pond

Highlight • Lake

Water from the Ring Pond flows over the Sowter Stone and down to the Aqueduct, which was constructed by Paxton in the late 1830’s and early 1840’s as part of his improvements to Stand Wood. The water continues down through Stand Wood and enters the garden above the Cascade Pond.

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Heathcote Mere

Highlight • Natural

Great spot to stop at, very peaceful, close to Hartington to buy drinks and snacks.

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Emperor Lake

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The 6th Duke tasked Paxton with engineering a new record-breaking gravity-fed fountain in anticipation of a visit by Tsar Nicholas 1 in 1844.  The 8-acre Emperor lake was fed by streams that collected rain falling on the high ground. The pipe from the Emperor lake drops 122 metres down to the fountain. In places, trenches up to 4.5 metres deep were cut through rock to maintain the gradient, and all before mechanical diggers were invented.

The resulting water pressure was enough to enable the fountain to reach heights of 90 metres and for 160 years, the Emperor Fountain was the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world.

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Popular around Ashford In The Water

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Hiking around Ashford In The Water

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Road Cycling Routes around Ashford In The Water

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Wonderful walks in the Peak District — Big Shakeout Festival

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Tips from the Community

Jason Out and About
September 24, 2025, Foolow Village

Arrive mid-morning on a crisp autumn day to wander the quaint village green with its medieval cross, duck pond, and bull-ring—perfect for photos of the limestone cottages without crowds. Grab a hearty pub lunch at The Bull’s Head, savoring local ales and farm-fresh dishes, then embark on the easy 2.4-mile walk to nearby Eyam (the “Plague Village”) for a dose of history amid rolling dales. Park at the edge of the village (limited spots), wear comfy shoes for the quiet lanes, and time your visit for late August if you can catch the colorful well dressings festival

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Water from the Ring Pond flows over the Sowter Stone and down to the Aqueduct, which was constructed by Paxton in the late 1830’s and early 1840’s as part of his improvements to Stand Wood. The water continues down through Stand Wood and enters the garden above the Cascade Pond.

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The 6th Duke tasked Paxton with engineering a new record-breaking gravity-fed fountain in anticipation of a visit by Tsar Nicholas 1 in 1844.  The 8-acre Emperor lake was fed by streams that collected rain falling on the high ground. The pipe from the Emperor lake drops 122 metres down to the fountain. In places, trenches up to 4.5 metres deep were cut through rock to maintain the gradient, and all before mechanical diggers were invented. The resulting water pressure was enough to enable the fountain to reach heights of 90 metres and for 160 years, the Emperor Fountain was the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world. 

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Rush covered mere which used to supply the village with water and provided a convenient watering stop for packhorse trains transporting salt or coal across the Peak District.

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foolow church is so cute !! has a little corner for walkers' refreshments too, if open

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A pleasant spot to stop for a picnic.

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Paul
August 1, 2021, Foolow Village

A small, attractive village

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Great spot to stop at, very peaceful, close to Hartington to buy drinks and snacks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of water features can I expect to find around Ashford-in-the-Water?

While Ashford-in-the-Water is primarily known for the River Wye, the surrounding area features various ponds, meres, and small reservoirs. These include natural ponds like Ring Pond, historical water bodies such as Whitworth Park Pond, and even duck ponds in villages like Foolow Village.

Are there any historical water features to explore?

Yes, several water features have historical significance. Whitworth Park Pond was once a Victorian boating lake and is part of the historic Whitworth Park. Ring Pond's water flows over the Sowter Stone and down to an aqueduct constructed by Paxton in the 1830s. Additionally, Heathcote Mere historically supplied the village with water and served as a watering stop for packhorse trains.

Which water features are good for families?

Many of the water features are family-friendly. Foolow Village offers a duck pond and a pub, making it a pleasant stop. Whitworth Park Pond is located within a park, providing space for leisure. The Small Reservoir and Waterfall is also a great spot for a family lunch stop.

Can I go wild swimming near Ashford-in-the-Water?

Yes, the Small Reservoir and Waterfall is known as a spot for wild swimming. It's a lovely little reservoir with a peaceful waterfall/outlet.

What outdoor activities can I do near these water features?

The area around Ashford-in-the-Water offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including routes like 'Headstone Tunnel – Headstone Viaduct loop from Ashford in the Water CP'. For cycling, there are options for gravel biking, such as the 'Monsal and High Peak trails gravel loop', and general cycling routes like 'Bakewell & the Limestone loop from Hassop Station'. You can find more details on these activities in the running trails guide, gravel biking guide, and cycling guide for the area.

Are there any pubs or cafes near the water features?

Yes, Foolow Village features The Bull's Head pub, which is a great place to stop and refuel. The village also has a duck pond, making it a pleasant spot to visit.

What is the best time to visit Ashford-in-the-Water for its water features?

The area is charming year-round. In spring, the River Wye's banks are lined with daffodils, adding to the picturesque scenery. Whitworth Park Pond is home to diverse wildlife throughout the year, offering something to see in any season.

What is the significance of the River Wye in Ashford-in-the-Water?

The River Wye is the central aquatic feature of Ashford-in-the-Water, meandering through the village and contributing to its tranquil ambiance. It's famous for the medieval Sheepwash Bridge, historically used for washing sheep, and is a popular spot for scenic riverside walks and wildlife spotting.

Are there opportunities for gentle walks along the water?

Yes, Ashford-in-the-Water offers gentle, flat walks along the River Wye, providing picturesque views of the limestone cottages. These walks are ideal for enjoying the peaceful English countryside and spotting local wildlife.

What is the Sheepwash Bridge and why is it notable?

The Sheepwash Bridge is a medieval packhorse bridge over the River Wye in Ashford-in-the-Water. It's considered one of the most photographed bridges in England and was historically used by farmers to wash sheep. Today, it's a popular visitor spot and known for large trout in the waters around it.

How does the area connect to the wider Peak District for outdoor activities?

The River Wye and surrounding areas connect to the traffic-free Monsal Trail, which offers further opportunities for leisurely walking and cycling throughout the wider Peak District. This trail is featured in several nearby cycling and running routes.

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