Glorious day &, even though we knew we'd be walking tomorrow (my Fathers Day treat!), we couldn't resist a bit more 'local' exploration!
Weren't exactly sure where we were heading when we set off but had a vague idea of investigating more of the Churnet valley & the Caldon Canal & seeing whether we could find any more pubs within walking distance of Ipstones - we found another three!
Started at Deep Hayes Country Park, an area reclaimed from coal mining, clay extraction, iron smelting, brick-making & the usual Pottery-associated activities - poor old Churnet!
Without the information boards you'd struggle to find much evidence until you reach this wonderful industrial relic on the edge of Cheddleton, the next village along the canal from Consall Forge & the 'Black Lion' (Walk 1)
Cheddleton Flint Mill ground white calcined flint & shipped it down the canal to the Potteries where Josiah Wedgwood was busily developing his 'creamware' range.... an ideal & very profitable relationship!
The Mill & its surrounding buildings are looked after by a team of volunteers &, unfortunately, today was not one of their 'open' days
The site, however, is open & there are enough info boards to guide the visitor around - brilliant!
A view back up the Caldon Canal - we'd just strolled along here...
Now, this is something I hadn't seen before. The canal runs to the south, the river flows around the site to the north while the mill-stream has been split to run 2 water-wheels & 2 mills side-by-side!
The South Mill (centre) was originally built to grind corn (it's recorded that a mill has stood here since the 13th century). It was converted to flint-grinding in the early 19th century after the purpose-built North Mill (right) had proved its economic worth.... more money in industry than farming!
Could have stopped at 'The Red Lion', close to the Flint Mill, but pressed on (another half mile, at least!) as we were keen to visit 'The Boat Inn' which we'd had recommended by several people
Just across the canal from the railway & another restored station on the heritage line, this is an excellent spot! Far too warm sitting in the sunshine for a 'Beer of the Day' - settled for ciders!
I suppose this is about 3 miles or so from our house: perfect for a gentle round trip!
Sat & chatted to a couple from Wells; he works for the Cathedral School & is responsible for the upkeep of all those wonderful buildings in Vicars Close (if you haven't a clue what I'm writing about you might need to do a cross-reference to LeJog!)
He told us that 14th century Listed Buildings & 21st century teenagers with music cases (violin, cello, guitar etc) don't really go together! I can imagine they don't.....!
After last week's fascinating toe-wrestling information, here's another indispensable piece of pub trivia: 'The Hollybush Inn' team has been European tug-o'-war champions for the last 10 years!
About 4.5 miles from our house: perfect for an extended gentle circular!
Back at the Country Park & this is the reservoir built in 1848 by the same Staffordshire Potteries Water Board responsible for Tittesworth (Walk 4)
Aware of the industrial demands being made on the Churnet they constructed Deep Hayes to top up the water levels.... & to thoughtfully facilitate additional expansion further downstream!
Song of the Day: 'Good Day Sunshine' - don't remember having a Beatles' song before
Julia: reckon this would be a walk for you - lovely views, no steep hills, no rock-climbing, no hard work at all.... except, perhaps, keeping up with all the historical information!
Definitely looks more like my kind of walk and would love the history of the place too. Might have to make more than one visit to take it all in! Have been to Wells so know what you mean. Visiting Cathedrals is one of my favourite pastimes. I like to compare them with Winchester, where I grew up. Haven't done any historical exploring for a while - must start again.
ReplyDeleteFrom your words and photos, I can see why you moved.
Julia