Hathersage and North Lees Hall
Date - 26th May 2007
Weather - Cloudy but not cold. Wind light.
Walkers - Adam, Audrey, Celia, Margret, Roger.
Parking - Hathersage carpark opposite the swimming pool.
The Walk
From the top of the carpark turn left leaving the road at the bend to follow a path called Ibbotson's Croft which takes you to the main road (A625). Cross the road and and enter Baulk Lane opposite which soon leaves the village and its cricket ground behind. The track takes you through lush wildflower meadows with Hood Brook to the left and Stanage Edge clearly visible to the right.
After three quarters of a mile take the signposted path to the left which takes you past Brookfield Manor (on a narrow path to the right of the buildings) and across a field to Birley Lane.
At the lane take the path opposite sign posted to Green House. Keeping the stream on your left follow the path through the wall and into the wood until you reach a wooden bridge. There were still some bluebells in the wood although the main display was in late April.
At the end of the track follow the path to the right across a field and down into more woodland. There is a clearing here between a receviour and the stream with the remains of walls- maybe a mill. It is a pleasant spot for a break on a hot day. However today it was occupied so we crossed the stream via the stepping stones and took a diversion up onto the hillside for Audrey's birthday picnic and the cherry stone contest (Kirschkernspucken - see the post regarding St Petronilla's Day!).
Returning to the path the route now climbs quite steeply across a field. With the farm building to your right, keep to the path around the corner of the stone wall and follow it until you come to a stile. The views from here up to the edge and down the valley make this a splendid place to stop although I recall that it felt somewhat more exposed the last time we were here!
On the other side of the stile you can either cut across the field diagonally to the right to pick up the path to North Lees Hall or head for a gate in the top right corner of the field and just before it turn sharp right onto a grassy track that leads back to the hall.
North Lees Hall, originally owned by the Eyre family, is believed to be the inspiration for Thornfield Hall in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre as she is known to have stayed here. Certainly, standing on the battlements at the top of the tower which forms the main part of the building, you can imagine the mad Mrs. Rochester standing amid the flames preparing to jump!
Leave North Lees Hall via the main drive. At the road turn left and after about 100yds (at the bend) go over the stile on the right.
Emerging from the trees cross the field to Cow Close Farm and keeping to the bank above the farmyard entrance go through a gate on your left. From here a narrow path skirts around the side of the farm. Keep to the left of the hedge as you leave the farm behind, staying this side of the hedgerow until you reach the end - don't be tempted to follow a clear path through a wide gap to the other side about half way along.
Over the stile at the end of the field a short path leads into another long field. The spire of Hathersage church is now visible ahead. Follow the path through the field and cross the stream at the far corner.
Climb the steps cut into the hillside to the right emerging into the lane behind the church. Turn left and enter the churchyard via a lynchgate on the right. Look out for the elongated grave of Little John on the left with its low railings and 'parking meter' for donations.
Leave the churchyard and follow the path that leads to a stile onto Baulk Road opposite the cricket ground. Turn left and retrace your steps to the carpark.
Hostelry
Scotsmans Pack near the primary school.
Comments
This was a combined early birthday and St. Petronilla's Day walk which we hope will become an annual event. The photo of North Lees Hall was taken the first time we did this walk on 8th April 2006. Audrey and Celia got to see inside it on an open day on 10th September 2006.