For the March edition of the magazine, I turn my focus to one of the most photographed scenes in the whole Peak District which has adorned many postcards, books and undoubtedly in times gone by numerous chocolate box lids.
It is, of course, the famous and fabulously picturesque Sheepwash Bridge, which spans the River Wye at the charming village of Ashord-in-the-Water in the Derbyshire Dales.
One claim to fame is that the bridge has been named by national tourist board VisitEngland as the best location in the country to play the popular family pursuit of ‘Poohsticks’, while many argue it is likely to be the most photographed bridge in the country.
Constructed in the 17th century the name, as is obvious, derives from one of its functions in the past.
In times gone by, farmers would place lambs in a pen on the bank of the river here and then encouraged their mothers, ewes, to swim across the river to re-unite with them.
As they swam, the farmers would ensure the sheep received a good dunking to wash their fleeces clean prior to shearing.
Sheepwash Bridge on the River Wye at Ashford-in-the-Water Photo: Gary Wallis The bridge is a scheduled monument and a Grade II listed building. There are a total of three bridges which cross the River Wye at this location, but the Sheepwash Bridge is by far the most beautiful.
This spot is one of my favourites all year round and the scene has different qualities depending on the season and, indeed, the time of day you visit.
The village of Ashford-in-the-Water was referenced before the Domesday Book of 1086 but in that landmark historical document it was named as Aisseford.
The name derives from two old English words – ‘aesc’ and ‘ford’ which means a ford where ash trees grow.
The addition of ‘In-the-Water’ was included from the 17th century onwards.
The village, just two miles (3km) north-west of Bakewell, was once an important centre for the production of Ashford Black Marble, which was mined and quarried locally.
It has a ring of six bells cast in 1954 and 1966 and good examples of Victorian stained-glass.
There are good links here with the traffic-free Monsal Trail for those wishing to use Ashford-in-the-Water as the prettiest of bases in which to have a stroll, while nearby Monsal Head provides views which will take your breath away.
Instagram: gary.wallis.landscapes
Taken from the bank of the River Wye in late March this is the classic photograph of the Sheepwash Bridge with the picturesque cottages adjacent to it.
This shot required a fair degree of patience while I waited for when, of if, the Swan would stretch out its wings! I was rewarded eventually!
In order to get the right lighting conditions at the bridge it requires a bit of planning in advance. In 2023 following some light snowfall I set out to catch the scene in the morning light and luckily the conditions were good for a memorable shot.
I have visited many times at Christmas and usually there is a Christmas tree outside of the cottage next to the bridge. This image was taken a few years ago when there was a particularly impressive tree with beautiful lighting.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(471x244:473x246)/CNN-New-Years-Eve-with-Anderson-Cooper-123124-9952e5f00fc1425f87113ba2bfb97b29.jpg "Anderson Cooper Says He Once ‘Hated’ New Year’s Eve While Co-Hosting CNN Broadcast")
