River Lathkill
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The River Lathkill is a river in the Peak District National Park in England. It rises close to Monyash, west of Bakewell, and flows generally eastward past the village of Over Haddon and through the village of Alport until it meets the River Wye near Rowsley. Roughly six and a half miles from source to outfall, it is the only river in the district that flows over limestone for its entire length.
The river valley, known as Lathkill Dale, is popular with tourists who visit to enjoy its natural beauty and wildlife. It is renowned for its trout population, and for the medieval Conksbury Bridge (SK211656), which now carries the road from Bakewell to Youlgreave. In times of high rainfall the source of the river is Lathkill Head Cave (SK170658), but in normal conditions the river rises from springs slightly further down the valley.
The dale has a history of lead mining, and the remains of the 19th century Mandale Mine, including the ruined engine house, can be found among the trees on the north side of the valley.
Much of the river itself, and sections of the river valley, fall within the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve. Among the species that thrive there are white-throated dippers, and the rare wild plant Jacob's Ladder.
