River Amber facts for kids
The River Amber is a river in Derbyshire, England. It flows into the River Derwent. The river is so important that it gave its name to a local area called Amber Valley.
Quick facts for kids River Amber |
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Amber at Clapper Bridge in Ashover
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 Confluence with Derwent in Derbyshire
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| Country | England |
| Counties | Derbyshire |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Ashover |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Derwent 53°03′36″N 1°29′02″W / 53.06000°N 1.48389°W |
| Length | 21 km (13 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 140 km2 (54 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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| Progression : Amber—Derwent—Trent—Humber—North Sea | |
The name Amber is very old. It comes from a language spoken before the Celts arrived in Britain. We are not sure exactly what the name means.
River's Journey
The River Amber starts near the village of Ashover. This is close to Clay Cross. From there, it flows south.
It passes through Ogston Reservoir, which is a large lake. Then it continues to a place called Pentrich.
After Pentrich, the river turns west. It flows through Wingfield Park. Finally, it joins the River Derwent at Ambergate.
History and Industry
Rivers like the Amber were very important in the past. They provided power for many water mills. These mills used the river's flow to turn large wheels.
Many mills along the Amber were used to crush minerals. These minerals were dug up from local mines and quarries. One common mineral was limestone.
The river valley also helped with transport. The Cromford Canal followed the river for some distance. This canal was a waterway built for boats to carry goods.
Later, the North Midland Railway also used the valley. This railway line went north. It passed under Clay Cross through the Clay Cross Tunnel. After that, it entered the valley of the River Rother.
