A Taste of the Peak District

Accommodation, activities and attractions of the Peak District of Derbyshire in the UK - Monyash

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Probably named after the abundance of Ash trees 1000 years ago. Monyash offers the Peak District visitor a haven of peace and tranquillity with access to many cycle rides and walks, including the nearby SSSI Lathkill Dale.

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Click here for the Monyash village web site.

Ash is a very popular part of the names of many towns of the Peak District, Ashford, Ashbourne and of course Monyash. Monyash lies at the head of Lathkill Dale which makes it a popular choice with visitors. The village itself is centred on the crossing of 4 ancient trackways and is high on the Derbyshire limestone plateau. Limestone is a well drained rock but a quirk of geology ensured that the early inhabitants of the village of Monyash had a good supply of water. A clay layer within the limestone prevented the surface water from completely draining away and several small ponds formed naturally. Of the original five or so, only Fere Mere remains.

Mining brought prosperity to the village during the 18th and 19th centuries, the last Monyash mine to close was Eagle Mine, in the mid 1920’s. Mining settlements always attracted service industries like blacksmiths and of course ale houses - the Bull’s Head on the village green is the only survivor. It dates from the turn of the 18th century I believe and used to host Derbyshire’s ‘Barmote’ (which dealt with lead mining disputes and other activities). Inside, the pub is full of character, look out for the Ashford Marble floor just inside the entrance.

As with many of the Peak District communities, the population of Monyash declined dramatically with the demise of the mining industry. The current main industries are farming and tourism.

Monyash Church dates from Norman times but like many others in the region was restored and largely rebuilt during Victorian times. The village became an important Quaker centre in the late 18th century, developed by John Gratton.

Close to Monyash, One Ash Grange was farmed by the monks of Roche Abbey during the Middle Ages. Also in the area lies probably the best known and most complete of the henges of the Peak District - Arbor Low (Low is derived from the Old English ‘hlaw’ meaning mound or hill).