Monday 21 April 2014

Beautiful South Yorkshire

One of the aims of the walking group's festival was to celebrate the beauty of our immediate local area.  Whilst North Yorkshire is renowned for it's natural beauty, South Yorkshire often does not have the same reputation - I hope I go some way to prove that it deserves the same reputation.  On Good Friday, we all met at Worsborough Mill and Dam car park near Barnsley.  We had another perfect day  for it.


 We walked from Worsborough up to Stainborough.  Worsborough Old Hall is a beautiful building now made into several beautiful apartments.  Recent famous occupants have included the Footballer Jackie Charlton and "Nora Batty" actress Kathy Staff.
 On this walk, we could choose to walk either 4 or 7 miles.  Hubby and I decided to do 7 miles (which turned out to be almost 8 miles).
 We walked past one of the obelisks on the Stainborough Estate.  There are many "follies" etc around here.

 The mining village where I grew up overlooks this parkland, so I suppose I am a bit biased, but I do think that this is the most beautiful part of South Yorkshire and you might be surprised  to find that this is actually Barnsley.
 I'm not a fan of the town centre of Barnsley, but the countryside around is stunning.  Most of it is farm land.

 We reached the top of the hill at Hood Green and whilst some of our party marched on, a few of us decided that we needed a moment or two to appreciate the view over towards Thurgoland.

 After the hill, we descended onto the Trans Peninne Trail which followed a disused railway line (flat!!!) all the way back to the mill and dam where we started, and where the 4 milers were sat sunning themselves waiting for us.
 The mill still grinds flour (so I bought a bag) and I can heartily recommend the tea rooms (The millionaires shortbread was the best I have ever tasted and the jam on the scones sent several of us into raptures!!)
The walks we have done this week on our doorstep really have highlighted that Mother Nature has taken back all of the industrial landscapes around here and made the area really beautiful again.

12 comments:

John Going Gently said...

If I still lived insheffield I would so like to join you all on these walks

Curtise said...

Gorgeous, Diane! I agree, South Yorkshire's fine landscapes get overlooked in comparison to North Yorkshire or Derbyshire - but look! Barnsley is beautiful!
Glorious photos. xxxx

Rowan said...

This is a really good advert for our county - we are seen as a poor relation in the scenery department but there is some very beautiful countryside here. People hear South Yorkshire and immediately visualize heavy industry and coal mines not realising that these are only a small part of the county, very small these days. You had a lovely day for your walk too.

Young at Heart said...

utterly gorgeous....I need to get out more thank you!!x

Rosie said...

What a gorgeous walk. I know Paul will be interested in the mill selling flour. The weather looks perfect in your photos - I've really enjoyed your week of walking and your highlighting the beauties of your local area:)

The Greenockian said...

Looks like a wonderful walk!

Angel Jem said...

God's Own Country? It looks sublime. I'm a sucker for the tractor heading over the fields.

Mister D said...

Great views- can just see Emley moor mast on pic #9

greenthumb said...

Just so very pretty.

Gilly said...

That looks a great walk. I think there are some surprising things to be found just around our towns. Is that a cave/mine/ice house/tunnel with the door across it? And glad you enjoyed our northern good weather! ;)

Unknown said...

Really enjoying these posts as I am so near. Your pictures are gorgeous. Anne

Lisa said...

This looks like such a beautiful walk. I like the sound of the tea room at the end. The luxury flats look gorgeous too, what an idyllic spot they are in.
Lisa x