Description: Mappleton (or Mapleton - the road signs show two spellings) is situated 2 miles from Ashbourne. It is a village that has existed in some form or other since before 1086 - when it gets a mention in the Doomsday Book. Mappleton's claim to fame is its annual New Years Day charity bridge jump. This consists of 10 teams of 3 people who paddle down 1/2 a mile of the river Dove and then jump off a bridge. It doesn't sound much - but the Dove is one of the coldest rivers in the UK - especially on New Years Day ! Also the river is not exactly navigable in all parts of the course - lastly the bridge is 30 feet high and after the swim the contestants still have to run 500 yards to the pub. Hundreds come to watch - what better way to spend the day sobering up! (See DCHQ000204). It also has an unusual mini-doomed church - St Mary's (seeDCHQ000200). Although the village is perhaps not as picturesque as Ilam, Osmaston or Parwich, Mappleton does have its charms. It is a popular point for walkers and cyclists during the Spring and Summer, with its pub, The Okeover Arms (seen here). The only village pub, the Okeover, has had a chequered history. It was originally a farm, then became a pub and then in 1923, due - allegedly - to its 'popularity' with one of the sons of the local estate who owned it, closed and re-opened as a Temperance hotel. Now thankfully it is again a pub, and has been since 1962. It also has a tea shop (Village Post Office). Mappleton is on many a route in various walker's guide books. Mappleton is best reached from Ashbourne past the Tissington Trail cycle hire and Callow Hall .