Anyway, enough of that. Errwood Hall is a popular location, which, surprisingly, is right next to Errwood Reservoir. It has a carkpark a short walk from the house, but I took a slightly longer route.
The road looking back towards The Cat And Fiddle |
It was a lovely day... |
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The track from Cat and Fiddle to Errwood Hall |
Parking up by the Cat and Fiddle I started up the stony track to leads up towards the Shining Tor path. Instead of turning to the left towards Shining Tor today I carried on, following the long, downward path that leads directly to Errwood.
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The path drops sharply towards Errwood. |
Before I began the descent to Errwood Hall I decided that, with the stony paths out of the way it was time to give my Vibram FiveFingers some air. I've used them in the gym for about a month, but this was the first time I'd used them on proper terrain.
First view of Errwood Reservoir |
The Vibrams were great - they're very flexy with thin soles and I find they encourage me to go up on my toes. Its a struggle not to run in them to be honest, and I'll be wearing them a lot more in future.
The path to Errwood is well trodden, and after a while turns into a wide, track covered in close-cropped turf. Time to ditch the Vibrams and go fully barefoot! Vibrams were re-applied about half a mile later when lack of traction left ThePeaksman sitting on his ass in the middle of the track - that never happens to Ray Mears....
At the bottom of the path the route branches, straight on heads towards the reservoir, left heads towards Errwood Hall.
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Errwood Hall in its former glory |
And how it looks today - the arches were on the left hand side of the house (from outside) - we are looking towards the front door here. |
The old front door |
Family crest inside front door |
The side windows from inside the house |
I assume this might have been a door |
The arches from outside |
The little black cross in the yellow diamond maks the spot of a tiny cemetery, holding about 8-10 graves of the family that ones lived in Errwood Hall.
I must admit, its a lovely spot, and I can't think of a more peaceful place to spend eternity.
After a spot of lunch I went back to the hall for a bit more of a poke around, and found an old trough set into the cliff behind the house. While I was examining it I heard a loud buzzing. Slightly aprehensive I carefully looked around expecting to see a bee hive or swarm. Then I looked up...
Some sort of tree (not sure what type), plastered in catkins. And the catkins were plastered with bees!
Huge bumble bees and honey bees were everywhere - obviously enjoying the spring warmth. I like bees, and they tend to be friendly so no problems there.
Catkins or flowers? Either way the bees loved them! |
Thought this chap was a honeybee, but now I'm not so sure - he might be some flavour of wasp. |
And that was it....just the trek back to the car. It was Vibrams all the way, and it was great. A lovely in smashing countryside.
Heres a few more shots around the hall, and a final view of the reservoir looking like the Mediterranean.
If you want to know more about Errwood Hall have a look here: The Grimshaws of Errwood Hall
Some good photos there Peaksman, and a good place for a sneaky bivvy.
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