Magpie Mine circular from Ashford-in-the-Water.
29 March 2026
In change to the programme, David has kindly stepped in to lead this lovely walk, in an interesting and beautiful area. 12 miles.
The walk starts from the old Sheepwash Bridge in the village of Ashford in the Water (Public toilets available within 5 mins of the start). We leave the northern side of the village via Pennyunk Lane to our first stop at Monsal Head – Toilets & refreshments available.
We then drop down onto the Monsal Trail at the viaduct with two Options at the Cressbrook Tunnel:
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High level “sheep track” over the tops of the Monsal Trail tunnels or
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Continue ahead thru the tunnel along the Monsal Trail to the Litton Mill turn off.
We leave the Monsal Trail and make our way to Brushfield – initial steep climb. After Brushfield we will descend via Brushfield Hough into the Wye Valley, Monsal Dale to cross the A6 at the White Lodge Picnic site – our second stop of the day.
From here we will make our way south west along Deep Dale; with a steep climb to exit the dale, and make our way to Sheldon.
From Sheldon we make a short detour over to the Magpie Mine Site. The Magpie Mine is a preservation & field study centre managed by the Peak District Mines Historical Society and the Peak Park Planning Board. The site exhibits evidence of some 400 years of both fruitful and oft times traumatic activity. As a living museum it splendidly evokes the scene of an active lead mine a century ago. The main shaft, protected by the cage, reached down 728 feet (222m).
We return to Sheldon and then drop back down to the Wye Valley. This is followed by a short walk along the A6 back to the Sheepwash Bridge in Ashford in the Water.
A shorter walk is available from Monsal Head – either dropping down onto the viaduct, then after crossing the viaduct exit left or right down to Monsal Dale or alternatively descend to the footbridge across the River Wye just below the weir. Both options then continue along Monsal Dale to join the A6 at the White Lodge Picnic site. For those not wishing to visit the Magpie Mine the River Wye can be followed back to Ashford in the Water: please note that this alternative does involve an initial steep climb up thru the woods before dropping back down to the River.
Bus departure from Ashford in the Water 5.15pm.
Each of the “pit stops” will be limited to 30 mins. Those opting for the shorter options would be able to enjoy a longer break at White Lodge Picnic site and/or in Ashford in the Water.
As usual we welcome new people and if it’s your first walk with us the coach fare is free.
Coach Departure
The coach picks up at the following points.
(With the agreement of the leader other pick-up points
on the bus route may be available).
| “Staff of Life” pub, Hack Lane | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.15am |
| Priestic Road, opp McDonald’s | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.20am |
| Eastfield Side, (Blue Bell) | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.22am |
| Hermitage Lane stop, Sutton Road | Mansfield | 9.25am |
| ASDA bus stop. Stockwell Gate. | Mansfield | 9.30am |
