Ashwell Springs, Baldock, Hertfordshire, England

## Overview Ashwell Springs is a remarkable chalk spring system located in the picturesque village of Ashwell in North Hertfordshire, England. The village itself takes its name from the Anglo-Saxon word *Æscewellan*, combining "æsce" (ash tree) and "wellan" (well or spring) — a testament to how central these springs have been to the settlement for well over a thousand years. The springs are the principal source of the River Rhee (also known as the River Cam in its upper reaches), which flows northeast through Cambridgeshire to the heart of Cambridge. From there, the River Cam continues to Ely, where it joins the River Great Ouse, eventually reaching The Wash and the North Sea — some 65 miles north of Ashwell. The crystal-clear water emerges from several fissures in the underlying chalk bedrock, a geological feature characteristic of the Chilterns and East Anglian chalk aquifer. The springs have historically produced an impressive average flow of around 1.3 million gallons per day, though output varies significantly with the seasons. Flow typically peaks in March and April, following winter rainfall recharge, and drops to its lowest levels in September and October after dry summers. In drought conditions, flow can fall to roughly a third of its average. The water temperature has been recorded at a constant 52°F (approximately 11°C) year-round — typical of chalk springs fed by deep aquifer sources, where the underground rock maintains a stable temperature regardless of surface weather conditions. It is worth noting that local water extraction has affected the springs' flow in modern times. A pumping station operated by the local water authority at Slip End on Claybush Hill — south of Ashwell near the A505 Letchworth–Royston road — draws from the same chalk aquifer, and residents and conservationists have long expressed concern about its impact on the springs' output. Ashwell Springs has historically been used as a source of drinking water by the local community, though visitors should be aware that no modern water quality testing data is publicly confirmed, and conditions may vary. ## Directions 1. From the A505 (Letchworth–Royston road), take the turning north signposted for Ashwell. 2. Follow the road into Ashwell village. 3. The springs are located at the northern edge of the village, near the head of the River Rhee. The GPS coordinates are approximately **52.0392, -0.1604**. 4. Look for the spring heads emerging from the chalk — the area is accessible on foot from the village centre and is a well-known local landmark. ## What to Expect Ashwell Springs is set within the charming and historic village of Ashwell, which features thatched cottages, a 14th-century church (St Mary the Virgin), and a peaceful rural atmosphere. The spring area itself is a lovely spot where clear water bubbles up from the chalk, feeding into the nascent River Rhee. The surroundings are green and tranquil, making it a pleasant destination for a short walk. The water is notably clear — a hallmark of chalk-filtered springs — and the constant temperature of around 52°F means it feels cool even on warm summer days. Flow is strongest in spring (March–April) and weakest in late summer and early autumn, so visitors hoping to see the springs at their most impressive should plan accordingly. The village of Ashwell is easily walkable and offers a few local amenities. The springs are accessible on foot and the terrain is generally flat and manageable. There is no formal visitor centre, but the springs are a well-known feature of the village and easy to find once you arrive.