Description: Waterhouses is the largest village on the southern edge of the Peak, and the most substantial settlement in the Hamps valley. The River Hamps which flows (not always) through Waterhouses is one of those which frequently chooses to travel underground. The limestone rock is porous and in many places, rivers disappear into 'swallet' holes and run through underground channels. Following heavy rain when the underground channel cannot cope, there may be a surface river for some time but, often in summer, the visitor will be amazed to find dry river beds of water-smoothed limestone. (information from www.touristnetuk.com)