Wednesday 5 January 2011

Doorstep Walk

One of the things I love about where I live, is the fact that I can walk out of my back door, and without driving anywhere, I can walk in some beautiful countryside. On the last day of our Christmas break, hubby and I decided that the kids could be as lazy as they liked and we would take off for a final daytime walk. (When we got home, we discovered the DQ still in her PJ's, and she stayed in them all day, and the young man had filled the house with smelly boys, all playing energetic Wii games which made them smellier!).
Wherever we walk from home, it does involve a hill! but we are able to walk a fair few miles without being on the road. Because we skirt the Wentworth Estate, there are follies everywhere you turn. You can just see Hoober Stand in this photo, but the large wall surrounds the big house.
These kind of follies are dotted all around.

This is Doric Lodge - one of the very many gatehouses to the big house, and still lived in.

After a swift New Years pint in one of the very lovely pubs, we discovered that the "new"church was open, so we had a look around. When I say new church, it was built by the 6th Earl Fitzwilliam in 1873 to replace the 12th century "old" church that I showed you before. We discovered that it was designed by JL Pearson who was one of the leading Victorian Architects of the Gothic revival period - his best known work being Truro Cathedral - a fact that I didn't know.


Whilst the older stained windows are very spectacular, as all church stained glass windows are,

I did particularly love the more modern windows in the North Aisle.








And I thought that the Union Jack looked amazing against the plain window.

For a parish church, it really is very impressive. The spire is almost 200 feet high, and the church feels really spacious and light.



It was great to be able to get out and about during the day on weekdays over the holidays. I'm missing it already now that I am back at work.

20 comments:

Unknown said...

Marvelous! Love the Union Jack too. Have you ever been to Graves Park? 265 acres of woodland, lakes a rare breeds farm, fab cafe and right across the road from where I live! Hope you are feeling much better.
xxx

Rowan said...

And here have I been hunched over the computer all day determined to finally catch up with commenting all the blogs I've been neglecting over the last few weeks! Mind you it's been pouring down for most of the day so not really going exploring weather:)

Unknown said...

http://www.mysterymag.com/hauntedbritain/index.php?subID=115&artID=308&page=article

I think you mean Norton Hall, the above is a about the ghosts and goings on there.
Rosie x

Vintage Tea Time said...

Lovely walk again! I like the newer stained glass windows, especially the one with deer. Thanks for sharing!

Just Original said...

You would give the local tourist information office a run for its money!

Have you thought of writing a walking book, you would be very good!

Vanessa x

Diane said...

Those church windows are stunning. You are so lucky to have so much all within walking distance. Diane

Kathy said...

Love the 'new' stained glass windows in the church. You've got your first scavenger hunt photo without even going out of your way. We can do nice walks from the back of our house ... no car involved ... no hills either! We back onto the Wirral Way which is a country park stretching along an old railway.
xxx

harmony and rosie said...

You really are so lucky to have all that on your doorstep. I know Truro cathedral very well but I didn't know who the architect was - until now! x

Selfsewn said...

Isnt it great to have such lovely countryside right on your doorstep.

I also can walk to beautiful countryside as you have seen on my blog.
I was brought up in the new forest, but only managed to move back 5 years ago.

Regarding Brian Cox. I do find him strangely attractive in an asexual sort of way, I think its his accent!

Clare x

Lisa said...

Boo to being back at work!
I know I've said it before but you are lucky to have so much countryside so close to you.
Lisa x

Jo said...

I love all the family being at home and being able to take off to where we like when we want, though my kids, like your's, prefer to stay at home. You've got some wonderful walks around your house. What a wonderful garland which decorates the church. I do love old stained glass windows but those modern ones are spectacular.

Lisa said...

I've just emailed you in the last 15 mins about the trip in March! Great minds!
Lisa x

The Curious Cat said...

You are very lucky to have such countryside on your doorstep. I would like a bit more in my life...the city just destroys me these days...and I've only been back to work for 2 days!!! Not good. xxx

Rosie said...

Those stained glass windows are glorious - love the one with deer on it! You have your first Scavenger photo already:) I'd love to be able to walk into the countryside from home like we used to do as children - maybe one day:)

diane b said...

You are lucky to be able to walk out your door into the countryside. It is a busy time with teenagers and work. Getting outside and enjoying those beautiful stained glass windows must have ben an exhilarating break.

Petit Filoux said...

Happy new year!
You are very lucky indeed, and so are we for being to enjoy it through your lovely photos!

Julia said...

Happy New Year Diane!

Love the stained glass photographs, and your walk sounds divine, such lovely countryside too!

Sending love
Julia x x x

Jennyff said...

Happy New Year, glad to hear you are out and about. I'll be going out too once I've finished the Christmas cake, the chocolates and the cheese.

BadPenny said...

Diane you have just made my day with your comment ! I wish I'd used your quick line ! ( next time )

Lovely walk & images as always xx

lazylol said...

Work does get in the way of our fun doesn't it!

You are lucky to live so close to this beautiful area.