Halls of Holmesfield Walk Report / Saturday 16th July 2022
Walk Leader: Steve Sadler / Backmarker: Joe Kelsall
There are 8 Historic Halls in the Parish of Holmesfield. Earlier in the year we visited 6 of the Halls and this walk covered the remaining 2 over a distance of 5 miles.
So on a glorious warm, sunny morning with blue skies 11 folk set off from the Village Hall Car Park in Holmesfield to our first Hall walking down through the estate and through the park onto Cowley Lane. Then via footpaths which took us further down the lane to emerge at Cowley Hall.
After viewing the Hall which is probably the smallest of all the Halls together with its restored barns from the old farm we crossed the road onto the footpath heading towards Cartledge. We then turned off cutting across country to Millthorpe our mid-morning stop point. Here we also looked at the Memorial to the RAF pilot killed in a plane crash in Millthorpe in 1955.
Setting off again we crossed over the stream at the ford and then took the path behind the houses towards Unthank emerging at the road. From there it was only a short walk along to Unthank Hall & Farm only stopping on the way to pick up some cakes for sale at one of the houses!
After a brief stop to view the Hall and Farm which is still a working farm today we turned and could just see the tower of St Swithins Church on the sky line! From here we took the path to Eweford Bridge crossed the main road and climbed up to the Caravan Park at Horseleygate before heading back towards Holmesfield.
The sun was really warming up at this point as we reached a junction of footpaths and turned off for the final climb of the day towards the church. As we climbed the church bells were ringing and we emerged opposite the church in perfect time to see the bride and accompanying bridesmaids walking towards the church – much appreciated by the ladies! From here it was just a short walk to the Millennium Gardens to visit the Well Dressing and then along the road back to the car park.
An enjoyable walk on a perfect day with some added history of the Halls of Cowley and Unthank.