Horsley, Coxbench and Holbrook

 

Clapton’s courageous countryside walk
23^rd April 2018

With a day to remember: George of the dragon, William with his wordiness and now the unnamed 5^th in line, it was only right that some of the babes should celebrate with a walk in the countryside.  Alison, Jo, Helen J and Charlotte with Clapton met on a well tendered triangular patch of grass outside St Clement’s church in Horsley.  The walk started at a Grade 11 listed structure; an ornate 1864 fountain called Sophia, named after the Rev Hervey Wilmot-Sitwell’s daughter.  Thank goodness he didn’t name it after himself!

A few more Grade 11 beauties: leaning, not listing

 

Before setting off on one path, we took another towards the church.  It was open, warm, had coffee, a loo and some rather lovely welcoming local folk.

 

St. Clement is behind yew…

  

Clapton was accepted into the church and patted by two men in dog-collars, which obviously is a sign of great significance.  

 

Remembering that we had actually chosen a different path for the day, we set off on our jaunt across the fields. Jobs were issued out amongst the group: Alison: route checker; Jo: lister; Charlotte hanging on.. or letting go and Helen J well, being me.

 

Yep, we’re in a field.
 

Yep, we’re in another field, looking at other fields.
 

Ignoring the red lantern under a tree in the middle of a field (clearly a rural affair), we navigated our way through squeeze stiles, kissing gates, wooden stiles  and gaps in hedges towards Coxbench.
 

Come on Clapton, just one more step.
 

Passing down a rather lovely lane with a mix of wild and tame flowers, we came across St. Anthony’s well.  In 1611 this water was believed, by the monks, to have healing properties, but as 'nun' of them are around now, it clearly didn’t work.

 

Not even Clapton was tempted to a slurp.
 

And the remains of Horsley castle were not very impressive either.
 

Which is why it is now in Coxbench

 

We passed under the A38 and over a disused railway line, admiring some of the lovely building conversions.

 

Clapton’s courageous kiss

 

But buildings aren’t the only conversions.  Although not very spectacular but considered a Derbyshire treasure, we came across some ‘Flint Knapper Bays’.  Over 200 years ago, large boulders were brought to these bays by horse drawn carts, they were then chipped away to produce flints for use in road bases.  Having fallen into disrepair, they are now restored as wild flower beds.  It’s a pity they haven’t been restored to their former glory as we are all fed up with driving on what is left of the road.

 

 

Following some very detailed instructions, we found our paths

 

Along the path to ‘High Lund’
 

Over the bridge in ‘The Dumble’

 

We spot the perfect den for a dragon

 

whilst coaxing Clapton between the horses

 

And into Holbrook village, where we spotted a very patient Helen M, a babe just doing lunch for a day. She assures us this will not be habit forming.

 

 

 We had a lovely catch up, a good lunch of toasties and raised a cappuccino, oh and two lattes and oh, two Americanos to Lynn.  A text message from Maggie confirmed she was also having coffee at a marvellous café on the M5.

 
 

Part 2 route planning in progress

 

 And whilst Helen M made it quite clear that she did not want her photo taken, a quick pencil sketch (under the table) was drawn instead.

What a marvellous likeness!

 

 

It was all too soon before we had to say our goodbyes, but not before Helen M gave the May birthday babes their presents.  So, with rucksacks well and truly laden, the adventure continued.

 

Down dried- out lanes

Atop ankle testing tussocks

Avoiding a submerged cattle grid

This was rather pongy stuff which stayed with us for some time, until we realised that Clapton had two muddy (loose term) paws!

Continuing now on a busy road, we headed back up to St. Clement’s.

 

And just incase one didn’t know what to look for…

 

 Inspiring!

 

 Stile to nowhere

Steps to somewhere

 

 

So, back from whence we had come, we arrived back at the beginning.  A lovely day, with good walking weather, good friendship and after a four and a half walk, one clapped out dog!

 

Impressive verges, added to Jo’s floral list:

 

blackthorn

bluebells

celandine

daisy

dandelion

dead white nettle

forget-me-not

groundsel

lady's smock (also known as cuckoo flower)

laurel (in flower)

lesser stitchwort

periwinkle

primroses

queen anne's lace

ramson

rattle

shamrock

shepherd's purse

speedwell

violet

wild garlic

wood anenomes

(23)

 

And, ever eagle-eyed, she also spotted this little beauty amongst the dandelions:
 

Smock fit for a lady

 

 

A slightly disappointing bird list for the time of year, but we still managed some firsts:

  

black headed gull

blackbird

blue tit

buzzard

chaffinch

chiffchaff*

crow

goldfinch*

great tit

green woodpecker** (A GB first?)

house martin*

jackdaw

long tailed tit

magpie

pheasant

robin

swallow*

wood pigeon

 

 Front to back bird!
 

 

18 for the day, plus our first Rhea!  Courtesy of possible earlier data entry error**, we now have 97 as our running total; only 3 more to go!  Those marked * are first for this year… good hirondine  spotting in the cool air.  If only Helen M had walked with us, we might have also seen a treecreeper and grey wagtail.