Twelve walkers met in the main car park at Holmebrook Valley Park on a grey Saturday morning. The forecast was for heavy showers after lunch so after our leader, Ted had given us an introduction to the walk we headed off. In the first part of the walk we did almost a complete circuit of the pond. We all commented on what a good job had been done to convert the former opencast mine into a lovely park and nature reserve.
The next part of the walk took us along Cutthorpe Green with historical notes along the way from Graham. We passed the Dower House and Cutthorpe Hall (former residence of the famous physician Gilbert Heathcote). If we had fancied refreshment we could have enjoyed a lovely pint (of fresh milk) at the Cutthorpe Creamery. On joining the main road through Cutthorpe there were further historical treasures to see. Firstly the 17th century Manor House and then the Coronation tree, planted on 22nd June 1911 to mark the coronation of George V.
Before reaching Four Lane Ends we took a track leading us back into Holmebrook Valley Park. By this time the rain came and what started as light rain soon turned into a very heavy downpour. With little prospect of improvement the walk was shortened to lead us straight back to the main car park.
Despite the weather this was a very enjoyable walk, packed full of historic facts. Thanks to Ted for leading and to Graham for his notes on the history of Cutthorpe.
