Fact
A: The farm that you walk through is called Crosby
Hall. It is steeped in history, with a tale that a
murdered former owner haunts the hall, taking the form of a
great white bull.
|
Fact
C: A stone that sits in front of the aforementioned
church and was put there to mark the Millennium. Being 250
million years old, it puts into perspective our celebrations.
|
|
|
Fact
B: The first church that you can see on this walk
is Crosby
Ravensworth Parish Church. It has a great presence
for such a small village and if you venture in you will see
that it is just as grand on the inside as the outside.
|
Fact
D: At the south end of the village is one of the 'Sheep
Pen' series of sculptures by Andy
Goldsworthy. More information can be found at Eden
Arts.
|
|
1. This is the Crosby
Ravensworth circuit. The distance walked is 1-1 ½ miles
and will take between 40 minutes and 1 hour. It is a very pleasant
introduction to the area. Leave the back door and go back over
the cattle grid. Walk across the field towards the trees on your
right hand side, towards the obvious telephone pole and a stile.
Cross this stile and immediately on your left hand side, go over
a second stile.
|
2. The footpath arrow
points directly across the field towards the tallest telegraph
pole, try to be the first to see the church spire (or the cattle
trough) and head in this direction. To the right of the trough
is a gate (rather unhelpfully unsigned) and try to open this.
I had 20 lively heifers chasing me so I chose to go over it!
|
3. Follow the gravel track
down to the farm - Crosby Hall (A), it does feel like you shouldn’t
be here but it is the correct route. When you reach the bottom
of the gravel track, walk straight onwards through the farmyard
through a large red gate. There is a choice when you have gone
past the buildings. Either turn left and walk alongside the back
of the church down a lane or walk straight ahead where there
is a ford and stepping stones in front of you, ignore these,
turn left and you will come to the front of the church.
|
4. After investigating
the church (B) make sure that you cross the bridge and check
out the village. There is a Millennium stone (C), interesting
houses and a public house. The pub can be found by turning rightwards
from either footpath exit, then walking up the road heading out
towards Orton. It is open evenings and weekends. An additional
reason for walking up this road would be to look at Andrew Goldsworthy’s ‘Sheep
pen’ sculpture (D), which you will find on your left.
|
5. After taking these
diversions return in the opposite direction, over the bridge
and onto the road leading to Mauds Meaburn. After passing the
village school to your left and a beck to your right, walk past
the National Speed Limit road signs until the Crake Trees turning
is seen on the left. Follow the gravel road all the way back
to Crake Trees Manor.
|
|
|