1) Sheepwash Bridge is a medieval pack horse bridge, which has been widened twice in the past. It was built where the ford crossed the River Wye and is named after the process of sheep washing which used to take place here. The ewes were penned up on the opposite side of the river from their lambs before shearing. After their wool had been cut they were put in the river and got a good soaking as they swam across to find their young.
Now head north away from the bridge and into the village taking the second turning on the right along Church Street to the church.
2) The parish church in Ashford was built in 1869 but a Norman building stood here in the 1200's. The present church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Hanging above the main aisle are some garlands, called virgin crants, which were worn at the funerals of unmarried girls up until 1801.
Now continue along Church Street and notice the methodist chapel down a side street to your left.
3) This methodist chapel is the only one of three which remains.
At the end of Church Street across the road notice Candle House.
4) Candle House - was the home of an Ashford candle maker and is now a beautiful private residence.
Turn right up Greaves Lane to Greaves Lane Well on the right.
5) Greaves Lane Well - still has its old iron pump. This is one of the five wells dressed every Whitsuntide with tableaux made by the village people out of flower petals, leaves and natural material.
Continue up the road keeping left when the road forks and follow the path across the playing field.
6) Notice the two lime trees planted in 1863 to mark the wedding of Queen Victoria's eldest son, Edward, who was then the Prince of Wales.
Continue along the footpath through the playing field until you are back at the car park.
This completes the tour of Ashford and the day out. A short drive along the A6 will take you back to Bakewell. I hope you enjoyed the tour and that it will encourage you to contact a Blue Badge Guide for your next visit to the Peak District.
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