Lathkill Dale begins at Monyash as a shallow dry riverbed. About one mile further down the valley the river springs from a cave, except during periods of drought. The whole of the Dale, as far as Lathkill Lodge, is a National Nature Reserve. Beyond that point only the river itself is protected. It is rich in wild flowers in late spring and early summer including orchids, cowslips and the rare Jacob's ladder. Towards Over Haddon the river becomes much wider and the Dale is heavily wooded. After Conksbury Bridge the river takes a more gentle pace passing through open pastureland eventually meeting the River Wye near Haddon Hall.

Photograph by Chris Johnston