River Ashop

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The River Ashop in Snake Woodlands.

The River Ashop is a river in the Derbyshire Peak District, England. Its source is on Black Ashop Moor, just east of the Pennine Way, and north of Kinder Scout.

The river flows approximately ten kilometres east, following the Sheffield to Manchester Snake Pass road through remote countryside, before emptying into Ladybower Reservoir, which itself flows into the River Derwent.

The only significant tributary of the River Ashop is the short River Alport.

The river is sometimes used for recreational purposes, mostly kayaking. This is usually limited as in times of normal rainfall the river is too shallow, but after heavy rainfall the river becomes a raging torrent. When the river is in this state it becomes very technical, with many weirs and holes. The river is quite narrow and relatively shallow, making the rocky bed hazardous for kayakers who capsize. By far the most challenging part of the river is where a small tributary of the Ashop flows swiftly through a steep tunnel under the road which can be paddled if you are not shy! This is the higher-volume upper section of the river. At times of high water the river is plagued by fallen trees, which must be navigated around. A number of fences have also been built across the river making running it very stop and start, and dangerous if the river is flowing quickly.