Can Capability Brown keep us out the mud?
Mrs M sets the tricky challenge of finding a mud free walk.
All I can think of is the grounds of Croome Park, Worcestershire. A National Trust property, with landscaped gardens by Capability Brown. Surely he wouldn't allow the aristocracy to disappear up to their midriffs in the mire. Here's the AI Advertising blurb.
Croome Park, situated in Worcestershire, England, is a historic estate renowned for its captivating landscape and architectural splendor. Designed by the eminent Capability Brown in the 18th century, the park showcases his signature style with expansive lawns, a serpentine lake, and strategically placed trees. The centerpiece of the estate is Croome Court, an elegant Palladian mansion built during the mid-18th century. Requisitioned by the government during World War II, Croome Court played a significant role in the war effort. Today, under the stewardship of the National Trust, the estate has undergone restoration, allowing visitors to explore the opulent interiors of the mansion, stroll through meticulously maintained gardens, and discover various architectural gems, including the Rotunda, Panorama Tower, and Temple Greenhouse. Croome Park offers a delightful experience for visitors, who can partake in guided tours, enjoy leisurely walks, and attend events hosted throughout the year. The estate's accessibility by car and its commitment to preservation make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of history and natural beauty.
It was an utter fail.... everywhere is just so grim is this most unseasonal monsoon of a Christmas.
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| The Grounds of Croome Park, with the house in the far distance |
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| The church and one mucky Guide Dog in Training |
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| Church Insider |
Still, if we hadn't have been there, we wouldn't have been able to answer the call of a panicky pensioner. Scuttling across to the swamp shouting "Do we have a knife?". Either he is very worried about urban street crime or there is some sort of emergency.
Turns out there is a rather huge sheep, stuck steadfast in the brambles. I have no knife, but between the two of us and about 10 minutes of effort, we manage to free the beast without so much as a baa in thanks. She simply scuttles back to the herd with a story to tell.
Mrs M, tasked with looking after the dogs, failed to take photos. AI making a fair attempt.
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| I did ask for only one old age pensioner |
Another reason for heading in this direction was to get the final and 132nd Good Beer Guide Tick of 2023. The Royal Oak, Kinnersley is a village local where we start the walk from, sharing the car park with the Hobsons van making deliveries.
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| The Royal Oak, Kinnersley |
We manage to get cleaned up enough to enter and if the landlord was concerned for his carpet, I am sure he appreciated our shoeless entry. A few old boys comparing Xmas stories and a rather large Staffordshire Bull Terrier, keeping eyes on proceedings by peering over the top of the bar devide.
He was right to be concerned for his bone, left lying in the middle of the floor.
Guide dog in training Ivy chomped on it for the duration of our visit.
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| Mrs M, trying to stop communal dog bone sharing |
Walk Details
Distance - 5 Miles
Walk Inspiration - Village Walks in Worcestershire, Walk 16
Geocaches - 1
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